Brace yourselves to explore a telecommunications giant. We are standing before Etisalat. It is now known as e&. Etisalat has been revolutionizing the telecom sector in the UAE. It has encouraged exploration of new opportunities. Etisalat focuses on strengthening its core business. This transition helps Etisalat to be well-geared for the future.
Etisalat was founded in 1976. It was the first national telecom provider in the UAE. Etisalat launched the country’s first mobile network. In 1986, the first optic network launched. This set a path for next-generation services. The year 1989 also witnessed the launch of Etisalat University. It is currently known as Khalifa University.
In 1994, Etisalat launched its first GSM network in the Middle East. The SMS service became a platform for businesses. It allowed verticals to move away from traditional advertising platforms. The 90s witnessed a revolution in the telecom sector. Etisalat offered internet services for the first time in the region in 1995. The first broadband internet service via ADSL technology came in 1999. This laid the foundations for digital services. It also paved the way for solutions for generations to come.
The year 2000 witnessed the launch of the first cable TV services. It came from e-vision. Etisalat Academy launched. It became a provider for telecom and technology training. In 2002, Etisalat consumers experienced mobile data. This was on a GPRS network. It enabled data transfers through cellular networks. This gave them an opportunity to use it for mobile internet. They could now use MMS and other data communications.
In 2017, the UAE was globally ranked as having the widest FTTH network. FTTH has reached 95.7 percent across UAE today. This maintains the UAE’s position as a global leader.
Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in 2014. It started construction of the network. A dedicated team of engineers and specialists built one of the most advanced networks in the region.
In 2018, Etisalat launched the first commercial 5G wireless network in the UAE. This set an industry benchmark. Etisalat became the first telecom operator in the MENA region to achieve this milestone. Etisalat was the first operator to have a fully developed commercial 5G network. It was available to provide gigabit internet services to its customers. The network fuels enterprises’ digital transformation. It also enables IoT, smart cities and the fourth industrial revolution.
Etisalat is a major investor in Thuraya. Etisalat owns 34.5%. Thuraya is a satellite geo-mobile communication systems provider.
On February 24, 2022, Etisalat Group launched a new brand identity. It is called e&. The group also announced that it will keep the previous branding identity. This applies in the UAE and internationally.
Etisalat is now a global technology company. It has acquired the Turkish cloud services provider GlassHouse. This was through its fully-owned subsidiary, e& enterprise. This acquisition enhances e&’s ability to leverage GlassHouse’s cloud expertise. This expertise applies in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets.
Etisalat is driving the digital future. It empowers societies. Etisalat boasts a wide range of solutions. It has found innovative ways to serve its customers. It keeps them up to date. It uses the latest futuristic technologies. Etisalat deserves to be one the region’s telecom leader. It is the most valuable brand.
As we conclude our visit to Etisalat, remember its commitment. This telecom giant connects people. It empowers communities. It drives innovation across the UAE and beyond.