Staying Connected in Dubai: A Practical Telecom Guide

How telecom works for residents

1. 1

   Pick a licensed mobile operator

   Everyday mobile and internet service in the UAE is delivered by the country's licensed telecom providers, e& and du. You will choose between them for your SIM, mobile plan and home connection. Compare current plans and any charges directly on each operator's website, since those figures change.

   Documents:Emirates IDpassport
2. 2

   Reach coverage beyond cellular with satellite

   Where ordinary cellular networks do not reach, satellite service fills the gap. Thuraya Telecommunications Company PrJSC is licensed to provide mobile communications by satellite in the UAE. Its work sits alongside an AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial insights and artificial intelligence capabilities.

3. 3

   Understand next-generation networks

   According to telecom service provider du, the 'fifth generation' (5G) or International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020) is the next generation of cellular network technology for mobile and fixed wireless applications. 5G is the evolution of 4G. When deployed, 5G networks should be able to deliver more speed and capacity to support massive machine-to-machine communications and provide low-latency (delay) and a high-reliability service for time-critical applications.

4. 4

   Know how network quality is checked

   Under the 'coverage' initiative, TDRA established an integrated centre which detects the quality of coverage of mobile networks in the UAE. Through field surveys, the centre tests, measures and analyses the quality of mobile operator networks and sends analytical reports to the telecom operators about vulnerabilities and improvement. According to the UAE's 6G roadmap, TDRA will introduce 6G with a suite of new capabilities, to support the use of artificial intelligence, network virtualisation, sensing and comprehensive coverage.

5. 5

   Screen anonymous calls with Kashif

   To cut down on unwanted calls, TDRA runs a feature called 'Kashif' that aims to reduce the inconvenience caused by anonymous calls. It is implemented by TDRA in coordination with the UAE's telecom services providers, e& and du, so support for it comes through your operator.

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