The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set a new global record in fibre-to-the-home network coverage, reaching 99.5 per cent, maintaining its position as the top-ranked country in the world since 2016, an industry report said.
The Republic of Korea ranked second with 96.6 per cent, followed by China in third place at 93.6 per cent, according to the annual report issued by the FTTH Council Europe. The rankings are based on 2024 data.
e& UAE plays the leading role in driving the telecommunications sector in the country, holding the highest fixed broadband penetration rate nationwide.
Its extensive fibre-optic infrastructure spans over 14.5 million kilometres – equivalent to more than 360 times the Earth’s circumference – providing high-speed connectivity to over 2.88 million homes across the country, reflecting the company’s commitment to its “fiber-first” strategy.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, said this achievement is more than just a number.
It is the result of consistent efforts that began in 1986, when the company first launched fibre-optic technology in the UAE’s transport network, paving the way for the country’s advanced digital ecosystem, he said.
He said the global milestone underscores e& UAE’s commitment to being a key digital transformation partner, and also reinforcing the country’s leadership in technology.
e& UAE said it continues its efforts to expand fibre-optic coverage across the country through a range of innovative solutions, including the launch of Fibre-to-the-Yacht (FTTY) service, offering high-speed connectivity to yachts in marinas, and the Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, which delivers high-speed internet and enhanced wireless network coverage throughout the home.