The TRA has announced a delay in the full commercial implementation of fixed network sharing between Etisalat and Du in the UAE.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has announced the postponement of the commercial launch of fixed-line network sharing between Etisalat and Du. This announcement comes as a result of the two telecom operators not being fully technically ready to implement the process.
In July last year a soft-launch of bitstream access was initiated between the two operators, with the plan being to allow a full rollout of the service by the end of the year. The TRA has however said that it is delaying the full commercial implementation of the fixed network sharing ‘until the completion of technical readiness.’
With the introduction of network sharing, customers will for the first time be able to select an operator of their choice for fixed-line, voice and broadband services. Currently Etisalat and Du hold monopolies in their respective areas of operation, and each is barred from operating in the other’s territory. Du’s services mainly cover newly developed areas of Dubai, like the Marina, JBR, Media and Internet City, whereas Etisalat holds the monopoly on its services for the rest of the country.
Jan 5, 2012 , United Arab Emirates
TRA's job is to ensure readiness cause the operator that stands to lose the most would want to postpone this as long as possible. The right thing to do would have been setting an acceptable and reasonable deadline and heavily penalizing any operator that doesn't hold its part of the deal.