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BlackBerry service launched

DUBAI — Etisalat yesterday announced the UAE launch of BlackBerry wireless communications platform, and said it is the first service provider to introduce the service in the Middle East.

The service, which is on offer from today following a pilot operation with select corporate customers, is being provided in conjunction with Research In Motion (RIM), a leader in wireless innovation.

In the first phase, BlackBerry service will be available at an initial cost of Dh20,000 to the corporate sector. Etisalat said it was targeting five to 10 per cent penetration in that segment.

"The end-to-end BlackBerry solution is now fully supported through Etisalat," said Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat. "Results from pilot testing show that the market in the UAE is ready for BlackBerry. We are confident that the BlackBerry solution we offer — the handheld devices, software, wireless services and on-site professional services — will all be embraced by the corporate and technology markets. BlackBerry from Etisalat will address the serious business needs of the UAE's high powered, and very mobile, corporate workforce."

Mark Davis, Business Development Manager- Corporate, Etisalat, BlackBerry is brought to the region with a unique customer care component. "Etisalat will pro-actively monitor BlackBerry usage within a corporate network, offering four levels of advanced customer care, including project management and on-site service within hours of an incoming call. We anticipate the success of BlackBerry here will mirror its success in other parts of the world. Information about the features of specific products, as well as pricing and roaming capabilities will be announced shortly," he said.

Etisalat will initially offer the BlackBerry 8700g and the BlackBerry 729 handsets. These devices provide an intuitive user experience with support for email, phone, SMS, Internet, organiser and corporate data applications. These quad-band devices operate on Etisalat's GSM/GPRS network and, with more than 100 global roaming relationships in more than 40 countries.

Etisalat has entered into a partnership with Emitac Mobile Solutions (EMS), a Dubai-based mobile systems integrator and provider of wireless handheld business solutions, to support the launch of BlackBerry. EMS will assist Etisalat in launching, delivering, supporting and selling BlackBerry from Etisalat in the UAE. Together, EMS and Etisalat will address the UAE market by delivering a suite of BlackBerry-enabled solutions to Etisalat's customers.

"With more than five million subscribers today, BlackBerry is a popular and proven solution that continues to gain momentum around the world as organisations seek ways to keep their mobile employees connected to the information and communications important to their day. We are pleased to be working with Etisalat and EMS to offer BlackBerry in the UAE. This is a significant opportunity in one of the world's fastest growing economic centres," said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President, Enterprise Business Unit, Research In Motion.

"With the strong economic growth in the region it is imperative for professionals in the United Arab Emirates to have the latest information at their fingertips anywhere and anytime," said Nasser Alshaali, Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX). "The easy-to-use BlackBerry solution offered through Etisalat will only accelerate the region's growth as one of the top business and financial markets.

BlackBerry is certainly a must-have tool for business and mobile professionals around the world and has seen significant adoption in the financial sector and we are looking forward for adopting BlackBerry in the local market."