Transformation to a single high-performance Internet Protocol–based network will improve speed and performance of video, social networking and other services while dramatically simplifying operations
Dubai, UAE, January 22, 2013 – With an eye on the proliferation of mobile data and broadband, du announced a partnership agreement with Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) to deploy the latest in IP-routing technology to achieve convergence in its telecom services.
Demand for high-speed broadband access, IPTV services, mobile video and more is expanding dramatically in the UAE. By deploying state-of-the-art IP routing technology from Alcatel-Lucent, du will eliminate the need to manage multiple networks, simplifying network operations. Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent started deploying an industry-leading solution (IP/MPLS), as well as providing du with a set of comprehensive professional services that include project management, network design, installation and commissioning, software integration and operations.
“Convergence of fixed and mobile networks is a logical evolutionary step in our growth story. This stems from the increasing propensity of our customers to access everything from a single device,” said Osman Sultan, CEO, du. “We believe Alcatel-Lucent is well positioned to share our vision in bringing the most cutting-edge services available in the UAE, with industry-leading intelligent solutions which will delight and surprise our customers, and further enhance our network efficiency.”
Here’s how Alcatel-Lucent’s solutions will help shape du customers’ experience:
- Power du’s next generation multiscreen TV service, which will enable du’s customers to access du TV on their smartphone, tablet or PC, using Wi-Fi or 3G to create a true ‘TV everywhere experience’. It will be powered by Alcatel-Lucent’s Multiscreen Video Platform.
- Ensure du’s coverage from a 4G LTE perspective, using IP-based technology. It will provide transmission services solutions for projects from small-medium enterprise size up.
- Empower business customers by offering end-to-end and high tech solutions that need bandwidth up to 1Gbps and beyond.
- Dramatically boost the speed, performance and availability of du’s home services, business and mobile broadband services.
Beyond just consolidating services onto a single network, du will be able to take advantage of intelligence within Alcatel-Lucent’s routers to deliver enhanced residential video and business network services, with the support of capabilities such as video optimization and Application Assurance, which can guarantee that services are delivered with the right quality levels.
Ben Verwaayen, Alcatel-Lucent’s CEO, said: “The UAE is a very dynamic market, and we are thrilled to expand our position as the leading IP vendor in the country. The new IP network we have deployed for du gives them an important and simplified tool for addressing the explosion in broadband data, and the embedded intelligence allows them to offer differentiating services to their customer base.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent is deploying its industry-leading IP/MPLS solution, based on its 7750 Service Router (SR), 7705 Service Aggregation Router (SAR) and 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM). Alcatel-Lucent will also provide du with a set of comprehensive professional services including project management, network design, installation and commissioning, software integration and operations.
Last month, ALU and du successfully deployed the first phase of the network with several sites across the three main regions (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain) now carrying mobile traffic.
About du
We opened for business in 2006. We offer mobile and fixed telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses. We also provide carrier services for businesses and satellite up/downlink services for TV broadcasters.
As a rapidly-growing enterprise, we have over 2,000 people working to enhance and expand our bouquet of service offerings. Our people come from over 60 countries – we mirror the rich cultural diversity of our nation, while being able to serve our customers in a variety of languages.
Over 50% of our senior management team and customer-facing employees are UAE nationals, and we remain committed to providing fulfilling opportunities for quality talent in a cosmopolitan working environment.
By the end of Q3 2012, more than 5.96 million people and over 50,000 businesses have chosen to use our services. In a survey conducted by ARC Chart, we were named the Best Mobile Broadband Network 2012 in the Middle East and Africa region. We also ranked first in MENA’s Standard & Poor/Hawkamah Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Index in 2011.
du is 39.5 percent owned by Emirates Investment Authority, 20.081 percent by Mubadala Development Company PJSC, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications and Technology LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. du is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name ‘du’.
For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae
Reka Sepsy
LeoComm PR
Tel: +971 4 367 6154
Mobile: +971 55 220 68 20
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: reka.sepsy@leocommpr.com
About Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
The long-trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments around the world, Alcatel-Lucent is a leading innovator in the field of networking and communications technology, products and services. The company is home to Bell Labs, one of the world’s foremost research centers, responsible for breakthroughs that have shaped the networking and communications industry. Alcatel-Lucent was named one of MIT Technology Review’s 2012 Top 50 list of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” for breakthroughs such as lightRadio™, which cuts power consumption and operating costs on wireless networks while delivering lightning fast Internet access. Through such innovations, Alcatel-Lucent is making communications more sustainable, more affordable and more accessible as we pursue our mission – Realizing the Potential of a Connected World.
With operations in more than 130 countries and one of the most experienced global services organizations in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The Company achieved revenues of Euro 15.3 billion in 2011 and is incorporated in France and headquartered in Paris.
For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com, read the latest posts on the Alcatel-Lucent blog: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/blog and follow the Company on Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/Alcatel_Lucent.
Contact the Alcatel-Lucent Press Office:press@alcatel-lucent.com
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