YOUSEF AL ARABI (ABU DHABI)
The combined new investments by e& Emirates and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) in telecom networks, infrastructure, and digital transformation across the UAE reached approximately Dh2.1 billion during the first half of this year, according to data released by the two companies.
The data reveals that e& Emirates capital expenditure amounted to Dh1.256 billion in the first half of 2024, up from Dh1.192 billion in the corresponding period of 2023, marking an annual growth rate of 5.4%.
These investments were allocated as Dh714 million in the first quarter and Dh542 million in the second quarter. The company’s capital expenditures aimed to expand 5G networks and upgrade existing networks to enhance customer experience by providing the fastest 5G services globally and achieving the highest market penetration rates for fibre optic networks in homes.
du invested Dh801 million in capital expenditure during the first six months of this year, compared to Dh912 million in the same period the previous year. These investments were distributed as Dh442 million in the first quarter and Dh359 million in the second quarter of 2024. The funds were directed towards expanding 5G and fibre optic network coverage across the UAE, as well as enhancing the company’s ongoing network infrastructure and IT systems transformation programme.
e& Emirates stated that the significant growth in subscriber numbers reflects the effectiveness of its strategy, which focuses on continued investment in network infrastructure, the launch of several new services and products-including entertainment services-and offering competitive mobile, internet, and gaming platform packages that attract new customers. Additionally, the company has focused on improving the overall customer experience.
The company highlighted its success in testing the world’s first Optical Transport Network (OTN) solutions at a speed of 1.6 terabits per second, a milestone in ultra-fast data transfer in the telecommunications sector. It also implemented the world’s first successful operation of fifth-generation networks using millimetre wave technology on a high-frequency spectrum of 26 GHz, with a range exceeding 10 kilometres and delivering high speeds. Moreover, the company launched the fifth-generation standalone network for mobile users, providing customers with reliable and secure communication and data transfer services through an independent network across the UAE.
du reiterated its leading position at the forefront of digital and technological innovation in the market, aiming to provide the best experiences for its diverse customer segments across areas such as financial technology and artificial intelligence.
The company stated, “Thanks to our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of excellence and our strategy focused on stimulating innovation and enhancing effective resource management, we have continued to deliver strong operational and financial performance across various business areas and indicators.”
The company noted that it has attracted more subscribers to its services, achieved significant growth in revenues, profitability, and cash flows, and reinforced its strong start to the year. In the field of financial technology, demand for digital financial services provided by its innovative platform, du Pay, has exceeded expectations, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards diversifying its digital and technological innovations and enhancing its ability to reach different market segments.