HSPA+ Coming to Du Next Year

Starting next year, du will take its 3G, EDGE network to the next level using sophisticated HSPA+ technology from industry-leader Huawei. du and Huawei have strengthened their partnership with Huawei providing US$85 million in financing for the HSPA+ roll-out. The enhanced network will give customers lightning-fast download/upload speeds of 21 Mbps, up from 7.2 Mbps. du customers will see a dramatic difference in their mobile broadband capabilities early 2010 when the new system is rolled out across the UAE

While HSPA already supports the full range of packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) services, HSPA+ further enhances the end-user experience through higher peak data rates and an improved “always-on” experience. “The high-speed HSPA+ technology will usher in a new era for mobile broadband, making a vast range of applications and services available to consumers on-the-go. Starting next year, du customers will enjoy a nearly 200% increase in mobile bandwidth, making downloading, uploading and other online activities faster and easier than ever,” said Hatem Bamatraf, Senior Vice President, Network Development, du.

HSPA+ can deliver peak download rates of 21 Mbps. Because it offers such impressive performance, HSPA+ is an effective bridge to Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology – a standard for which, a number of leading operators in North America, Asia and Europe have committed to deploy as the next generation of mobile broadband.

Approximately 80% of the global mobile market uses the Global System for Mobile communications, or GSM system, which is the base for HSPA technologies. The GSM Association recently presented statistics that indicate HSPA and HSPA+ are fast becoming the global standard for mobile broadband services.

“The HSPA+ technology is only available in a few markets worldwide and we are delighted to partner with Huawei to introduce it in the UAE. HSPA+ perfectly positions du for further mobile broadband enhancements on the road to the fully-convergent, IP-based mobile wireless system promised by LTE technology” Added Mr Bamatraf.

du will continue to source cutting-edge technologies to facilitate its network expansions and improvements, which are a critical element of ongoing efforts to address customer concerns and to strengthen and consolidate its position as the UAE’s most innovative and responsive telecommunications provider.