London, 4 December 2008: In response to growing demand for connectivity into the Middle East, driven by the region’s increasing economic power, Telstra International has expanded its global service coverage by teaming up with du, the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider. Through the partnership, Telstra customers will benefit from connectivity into the UAE and five other key Middle East destinations with several others becoming available during 2009. The deal also lays the groundwork for businesses in the UAE to access Telstra’s world-class IP network.
The strong growth witnessed in banking, tourism and construction sectors has led to an influx of foreign capital into the Middle East region leading to a high rate of economic growth. Due to this, the internet traffic in the Middle East has increased by a staggering 97 per cent, leading to an increased demand for bandwidth in and out of the region.
Telstra International’s partnership with du allows it to offer dedicated, leased line access from London to a growing number of Middle Eastern & regional destinations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia currently with others to follow. The deal will enable end-to-end service capability for private lines and IP Virtual Private Network, with Telstra acting as single point of contact, delivering comprehensive service level agreements and enhanced capability for service assurance and support. Telstra’s alliance with du means customers receive comprehensive service guarantees including availability, mean time to repair and service delivery, leaving them to focus on other business issues linked to their expansion into the Middle East.
Simon Vye, CEO of Telstra International EMEA, said that growth in the Middle East has led to this partnership, which will benefit enterprises looking to expand into the region
“This partnership will allow us to provide our customers with the high quality of service and network reach they have come to expect from working with Telstra International. As the telecoms market becomes more flexible, service providers such as Telstra International will have a crucial role to play in enabling and driving further growth. We are pleased to be working with du and look forward to the mutual success of the partnership.”
Andrew Grenville, EVP International and Wholesale du, added: “This strategic partnership with Telstra enables corporate customers moving into the UAE and the Middle East & Africa region to access our strong capabilities, allowing us in turn to expand the network reach to our enterprise customers. This also bolsters our aim of becoming the preferred gateway to the Middle East."
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About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.
Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.
du’s retail network, currently numbering 23 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.
du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.
du was recognised as the ‘Best Brand’ for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.