Ever wondered about the story behind those sleek telecom towers dotting Abu Dhabi’s skyline? That’s the story of Etisalat. It’s more than just a phone company. Etisalat began its journey in 1976. It was a joint venture between a British company and local partners.
In 1983, the UAE government acquired a 60% share. The remaining 40% was offered to the public. This marked a significant step in Etisalat’s evolution. In 1991, Etisalat gained the exclusive right to provide telecom services in the UAE. This included wired and wireless services. It also gained the power to issue licenses for telecom equipment. This solidified Etisalat’s role as a telecom giant.
Now known as e&, Etisalat remains a state-owned telecommunications powerhouse. It stands tall as the 16th largest mobile network operator worldwide. As of 2023, Etisalat reported impressive revenue figures. The revenue was AED 53.8 billion. Its influence extends far beyond financial success.
Etisalat acts as a vital internet hub in the Middle East. It provides connectivity to many other telecom operators. It carries a large amount of international voice traffic in the Middle East and Africa.
Etisalat has consistently embraced technological advancements. In December 2011, it commercially launched its 4G LTE Network. In May 2018, Etisalat was the first in the MENA region to launch a 5G LTE Network.
Etisalat’s headquarters are right here in Abu Dhabi. It also operates three regional offices. One is here in Abu Dhabi, one in Dubai, and another in Sharjah. By the end of 2009, Etisalat completed its FTTH roll-out for 85% of Abu Dhabi households.
Etisalat provides various internet services. These include 3G and 4G mobile internet. It also provides broadband internet services like Al Shamil and eLife. Want to quickly check your mobile number? Just dial *101#.
Etisalat goes beyond traditional telecom services. It incorporates business units under Etisalat Services Holding LLC. These units offer training, consultancy, and smart card manufacturing. They also handle data clearing, call center services, and cable TV.
In a groundbreaking achievement, e& UAE set a world record. It reached the fastest speed on a live 5G network, reaching 30.5 Gbps. This was demonstrated at the 2024 SAMENA Leaders’ Summit.
Etisalat has a significant international presence. It has operations in 15 countries outside the UAE. It also holds a stake in Vodafone Group, one of Europe’s largest telecom groups.
In 2024, e& bought the Turkish cloud services provider GlassHouse. Through its subsidiary, e& enterprise, the company continues to expand. As we conclude our story here at Etisalat, remember its journey. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global tech leader. Etisalat continues to shape the digital landscape.