DWC project will allow new telecom operators

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, TRA Board Member and Director-General Mohammad Al Ghanem said the 140-square-kilometre urban aviation community being built in Jebel Ali, will not only have an infrastructure to accommodate the two current telecoms operators, but also any other player, who might come in at a later stage.

“The target is for both (operators) plus others. It does not mean that a new operator is coming to the market any time soon, but we do not want a conflict,” he said, referring to the tussle between Etisalat and du when the latter launched it local operations.

“We know that in a few years’ time a new operator will come (to the market) and he will be stuck. Let us have an infrastructure, which will allow multiple players to operate in the market,” he added.

“We think Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a good example of having both operators. DIFC has invested in one common infrastructure for both operators, they have diversity and it is operating decently,” he explained.

Etisalat does not have access to Internet or fixed-line customers in the New Dubai area, which includes Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City and nearby residential districts, while du is largely restricted to these areas.

The UAE’s first telecom operator has so far been unable to access an estimated 2,200 businesses in the Internet and media free zones because of resistance from Tecom, the owner of these free zones, and du, which has a monopoly there for fixed line, TV and Internet.

An inter-connection agreement between du and Etisalat signed last December should have provided both telecom operators with equal access to all markets in the country.

But while residents have a choice of mobile provider, both du and Etisalat still retain monopolies for TV and Internet service in certain areas.

While a no-objection letter may allow Etisalat to operate in some free zones, in some residential areas customers do not have a choice.