News Release

du Upgrades Network to Offer High Speed Internet Connectivity to Businesses and Consumers

du Deploys Cisco CRS-1 Routing Platform for 40Gbps Traffic to Meet Increase in Broadband Demand
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Jun 11, 2009

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 11, 2009 – Cisco today announced that du, the UAE's integrated telecom service provider, has deployed the Cisco® CRS-1 Carrier Routing System to meet the demand for high-end broadband services from its business customers in the UAE, as well as to support the exponential growth of multimedia and Internet services amongst end users. The deployment will position du as one of the leading service providers in the Middle East that support transport rates of up to 40 gigabits per second. 

Cisco and du have collaborated over the past years to develop a portfolio of data and mobility services in the emirate. This new phase of network development will allow du to improve the speed, security, flexibility and scalability of services to its business customers as well as to launch a host of Internet Protocol (IP)-based next-generation triple-play services, including IPTV, advanced audio and video telephony, home entertainment and high-priority data services.  

Farid Faraidooni, executive vice president commercial, du, said: "The deployment of the 40G network marks a significant milestone in our strategy to improve broadband access and offer the highest levels of service quality and variety to our business customers in the UAE. This will help organizations increase employee collaboration, improve customer relationships and service delivery, and introduce greater efficiencies, fundamental objectives in today's challenging market conditions."

Sam Alkharrat, managing director, Cisco Gulf and Pakistan, said: "Broadband has the ability to enable economic growth and create the knowledge infrastructure of the future. By improving broadband capability, du will be able to accelerate the introduction of innovative services that will allow for increased productivity and collaboration amongst businesses and end users alike."

The Cisco CRS-1 is the industry's only carrier routing system designed to offer continuous system operation, unprecedented service flexibility and system longevity. Powered by Cisco IOS® XR Software, it is designed for always-on operation while scaling system capacity up to 92 terabits per second. The CRS-1 marks a new era in carrier IP communications by powering the foundation for IP next-generation networks today while protecting investments for decades to come.

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers. 

Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit, more time and now 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du's retail network, currently numbering 30 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers  Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.

du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

Awards to date

  • du awarded with 'Outstanding use of a temporary venue/structure or space' title for its 2008 Ramadan tent and experience, at the 2009 Middle East Event Awards
  • du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK's EuroWeek
  • du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
  • du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008
  • du declared 'Best Brand' at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success
  • Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007
  • Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007
  • du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007