UAE-based telecom operator Du has signed a three-year managed services agreement with Ericsson. According to the terms of the deal, Ericsson will develop Du’s nationwide GSM/W-CDMA network and provide it with an operating model that will lower its operational expenses and help the operator focus on offering new services to its subscribers. Earlier, in January 2009, Du had signed an agreement with Vodafone based on which it obtained exclusive access to Vodafone’s range of products and services in the UAE.
At present, the two companies are looking at new joint initiatives including mobile broadband connectivity products, secure remote mobile access for small business users, converged email solutions and exclusive access to new models of handsets. Du is planning to invest $680 million in 2009 towards the expansion of its infrastructure and services in the UAE.
