Etisalat announced yesterday that it has recorded over 300,000 subscribers in the first three weeks since its launch on May 1. Significant traffic is also being experienced for data services such as its ring back tone service, and its mobile television service. Today, approximately 75 percent of customers are accessing data services across Etisalat s advanced HSPA, 3.5G network.
The telecommunications giant has now deployed over 700 base stations across the country, providing 3.5G, high-speed data connectivity in over 40 cities.
Etisalat s license stipulates that it should provide coverage to six of Egypt s cities in the first six month of operations. Etisalat has also successfully recruited 850 staff to service its customers, of which 98 percent are Egyptian nationals.
Etisalat won a 15-year, renewable license to provide both GSM and 3G mobile services in Egypt in July 2006. Etisalat owns 66 percent of its Egyptian subsidiary, with the remainder divided amongst a consortium including Egypt Post, The National Bank of Egypt and the Commercial International Bank.