Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications, known as du, is the UAE’s second telecoms operator. It was established in December 2005, and aims to have a 30 percent market share of mobile subscribers before the end of 2009, up from last year’s 22 percent.

du launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE and is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by TECOM Investments and 20 percent by public shareholders. The telecom is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

The company reported its 2008 full year results in February, revealing it had added 1.88 million mobile customers over the 12 months. Revenue of $1.08bn was 157 percent up on the previous year.

In January, UK telecoms giant Vodafone signed du up to its Partner Market programme, allowing the UAE carrier access to its products and services. In exchange, Vodafone will give du improved voice and data roaming access across 67 countries, while Vodafone customers visiting the UAE will be given extended network coverage and access to du’s advanced 3G network.