Abu Dhabi, 10 March 2010: As the Strategic Operator Partner, Etisalat participated in the Broadband Global Summit 2010, one of the region’s most important assemblies on broadband technologies, held 8-10 March 2010 at the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel. Broadband Global Summit, in its second successful year, is positioned to reflect the dynamic developments within the region’s broadband ecosystem and effectively highlighted the exciting growth areas in the telecommunications industry - universal connectivity via broadband in the Middle East and Africa regions.

Commenting on the participation, Etisalat’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Khalifa Al Shamsi, said, “Etisalat envisions that all UAE residents will soon be digitally connected, improving themselves and their lifestyles every single day. Through a mix of advanced broadband technologies, Etisalat has already embarked upon this process and its recent nation-wide fiber roll-out, e-Life, will add significant value to customers’ lifestyles, enabling them to achieve much more than what is possible today. Through our participation in this summit, we are pleased to bring to a wider forum our experiences and insights that will assist in laying out the future roadmap of broadband infrastructure development for the entire region.”

In a keynote presentation on the ‘LTE Focus’ day of the event, Tariq Al Qaseer, Senior Director of Mobile Network- Planning at Etisalat, highlighted the “mobile broadband trends and challenges” elaborating on the opportunities brought by the advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology and joint efforts required to accelerate the LTE maturity in the region. He also explained Etisalat’s efforts in this direction through an earlier demonstration of LTE, designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile networks.

As a key note speaker on the opening day, Ali Al Ahmed, Group Chief Strategy Officer, (GCSO) at Etisalat, mapped the evolution in the communications industry over the past one decade. In this congregation of the region’s top minds: regulatory decision makers, industry leaders and innovators, he discussed the opportunities and challenges faced in addressing the increasing customer demand and the strategic deployment of several technologies that exist within diverse environments. This was followed by a panel discussion on the region’s future broadband road-map and technology vision.

On the concluding day of the 3-day event, highlighting on the FTTH technological advancements and strategies, Fahem Al Bugham – Vice President / Technology Strategy presented the case study on the “Impact of evolving GPON on Access Network” and customer advantages met by the FTTH network, drawing from Etisalat’s experience, being the pioneer in deploying the region’s first fiber network across the UAE.

Pioneering the leading-edge fixed and mobile broadband technology locally and regionally, Etisalat’s contribution to the event was showcased through Etisalat’s experiences in the recent deployment of the Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and HSPA+ in the UAE, as well as through strategic insight from Etisalat experts on the future of broadband technologies. Etisalat’s FTTH network, has already covered over 735,000 households in the UAE, through eLife and Etisalat aims to connect the whole of the nation’s households by 2011, setting UAE in the league of top international fiber-connected countries.

Etisalat is also the first in the region to introduce the fastest mobile broadband technology, HSPA+ in the UAE, including the design and installation of the HSPA+ mobile infrastructure in the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.

The event, among other benefits, also explored the broadband business in detail and presented opportunities to craft business strategies in order to deliver a new level of experience for customers and greater returns for shareholders. The programme included multiple tracks across two days with over 60 high-level speakers, including 20 presentations, 38 operator case studies, workshops, training programmes and much more.

• Etisalat speakers share insights on benefits of a Converged IP network & Software plus Services approach with Etisalat Hosting Offerings
• Etisalat emphasizes  usage of Microsoft Operations Framework in ICT & Service Management Projects

Dubai, March 4, 2010: At the inaugural edition of Tech.Ed Middle East which  is Microsoft’s premier technical education and networking event in Dubai which concluded yesterday, Etisalat executives presented attendees with insights into its comprehensive Managed ICT & services portfolio to showcase how customers can benefit from such services with enhanced business performance while optimizing capital investment and operational costs.

In a presentation entitled “Enhancing performance through High Speed IP networks”, Haider Khan, Business Development Manager, Etisalat and Rehan Sami, Solution Architect, Etisalat talked about the significance of MPLS IPVPNs to help attendees understand how Etisalat‘s IP network can facilitate collaborative business models by converging voice and data and hence improve performance and operational efficiencies. With IP being the de facto protocol worldwide, Haider highlighted  Etisalat efforts to set up its own IP nodes worldwide which would provide business customers with advantages like single point of contact and price guarantees in addition to a reliable quality of service(QOS).

The service can also be offered as a Managed Service by Etisalat with end to end network management through Etisalat’s Managed Router Service which has 24×7x365 proactive monitoring thereby enabling UAE based companies to lower their TCO( Total Cost of operations) and deal with a  single vendor .

Jitendra Kapoor, Specialist – eHosting from Etisalat talked about the synergies between  Microsoft’s Software Plus Services strategy and Etisalat’s  Suite of Managed & Hosted Microsoft  Application services to mitigate risks and enhance business agility. He said, “Businesses can now partner with Etisalat to capitalize on the secure, reliable and scalable computing environment of Etisalat’s state of the art fully redundant Internet data centres to conduct mission critical operations and be assured of enriched Managed Hosting Services like storage, disaster recovery, Business Continuity Planning, security, message hygiene, and Microsoft Software management.”

Etisalat can thus assists businesses of all sizes to make a prudent selection of on premise and Etisalat Hosted & Managed Applications-a winning combination designed to enhance competitive edge for customers. This translates into a very convenient deployment model which can be adjusted dynamically as business needs shift and growth requirements necessitate a relevant approach.

According to Shazad Ahmed, Specialist, Professional Services, Etisalat who spoke on the relevance of Microsoft Operations Framework, “Microsoft Operations Framework(MOF) provides a practical framework and guidance to provide efficient and effective services. The major advantage of bringing in MOF best practices to Professional Services engagements  is to reveal customer service flaws early on during the engagement. Moreover, it also helps to gather clear requirements from customers. While working on customer Service Management projects, MOF provides a low cost solution for organizations to adopt IT best practices and become ISO 20000 ready.

Abu Dhabi, 02 March 2010: Etisalat reintroduced the 1 GB mobile broadband package at a reduced price of AED 145 per month, with customers now saving more than 25% on their Internet usage. The reduction in price follows the introduction of Etisalat’s (10GB) mobile broadband package last month, at AED 395 and an upgrade to the 3.5G network to support HSPA+ technology that provides download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speed of 11Mbps, which is now the highest speed available across the Middle East region.

Etisalat’s price reductions on the 1 GB mobile broadband data package benefits customers with a host of convenient features and uses. While moving around, executives, entrepreneurs and tech savvy youngsters stand to save on accessing e-mail, surfing the net, downloading music and videos and using various applications such as YouTube, Facebook, Online gaming, Twitter, GPS and instant messaging right from their 3G devices and Smartphones such as iPhone HTC, Nokia…

Etisalat customers already benefit from the best performance when they use Etisalat’s extensive broadband coverage of over 99% of the UAE’s populated area. The advanced network supports speed up to 21MBps which translates into Etisalat customers enjoying the very best performance on their mobile devices / 3G devices, depending on theier mobiles or device compatibility. 

Etisalat’s Mobile broadband permanent reduction is announced to align with the customers’ need and the increase in demand for mobile broadband services following the introduction of Smartphones in the UAE. Khalifa Al Shamsi Sr. Vice president Marketing said.

The price reduction further enables customers to stay in touch by using the latest technology while on the move across the country by using 3G mobile modem and HSPA wi-fi modem. HSPA wi-fi is a trendsetting mobile broadband service which enables customers to simultaneously connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets by using one SIM Card.

Etisalat has also introduced new compatible models for HSPA+ technology; customers can select one of these devices from any Etisalat business center or outlet.

For more information about 3G data packages and other 3G services, customers can visit www.etisalat.ae or call the customer service hotline on 101.

Etisalat rewards customers with a chance to win the original FCB signed t-shirts on its one-year partnership anniversary with the Club

Signed Shirt Logo

Abu Dhabi, 02 March 2010: Marking the first anniversary of its association with Football Club Barcelona (FCB) as the ‘Official International Partner’, Etisalat will bring aspirations to life with the launch of its Signed FCB Shirt campaign. Customers can win one of many original autographed Barca t-shirts that are up for grabs when they subscribe to any one of Etisalat’s three mobile services – Barca Mobile service, Barca Alerts or Barca TV.

Celebrating a year of its successful partnership with FCB, Etisalat’s signed t-shirt promotion is also part of its next exciting phase that has kicked in with the launch of a dedicated Barca Mobile service for football lovers and FCB fans last week.

Haitham Al Kharusi, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Etisalat commented: “The t-shirt promotion is a rare opportunity for anyone with FCB in their blood as Etisalat exclusively gives its customers this chance to get their hands on an invaluable FCB memorabilia. Millions of football aficionados and particularly FCB fans compete to get a signed Barca t-shirt because of its inherent cherished value and Etisalat wants to distinguish its customers with this exclusive reward in its first anniversary of association with the Club.”

The Etisalat Barca Mobile service offers complete updated information on all the FCB football action, championships and matches. It provides videos, fun facts, profiles, news, scores and much more to keep Barca fans connected to their favorite team. Witnessed by Joan Laporta, President of FCBarcelona and Etisalat Chairman, Mohammad Hassan Omran, Etisalat announced the service during its participation in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The service includes exciting features letting fans switch between news feeds and future fixture lists, visit dedicated profile pages for the players and view an array of images in the photo galleries. A special video section thrills customer with on-demand clips and download options with match highlights, insightful interviews and Barca toons.

For further information, customers can visit www.etisalat.ae or call 101

Etisalat’s initiative to reduce carbon footprint by encouraging customers to pay bills and recharge Wasel account online
• 100 iPhone devices to reward online Pay and Win campaign participation
• 10% bonus talk time for Wasel recharge online
• ‘Paperless’ online billing system to reduce paper waste and transportation costs in future

Abu Dhabi, 1 March 2010: In line with its environmental objectives, Etisalat launches yet another environment-friendly solution, ‘Pay and Win’, to reduce its carbon footprint by encouraging customers to use the electronic channels for viewing and paying their bills. The online services which allow both individual and business customers for bill payment toward Fixed and Mobile phones, Internet services and E-Vision, also lets them conveniently recharge and renew their Wasel accounts online. In order to motivate customers into this desired action, Etisalat has announced electronic draws for 100 iPhone 3G devices to be rewarded to participants in the campaign starting now till 28th April 2010.

The initiative aims to create awareness towards an important social element as online transactions minimize the use of paper and transport costs for the customers which in turn has important implications for the nation’s environment. All of Etisalat’s customers can now use an alternative method which is easy, fast, cost effective and environment friendly.
 
Customers can participate in this campaign by simply registering and using Etisalat online services on www.etisalat.ae/online. They will then be eligible to enter the draw for iPhone devices upon conducting an online transaction, either through the Etisalat website or via mobile payments.

Etisalat’s online channel offers several services that eliminate the need to visit Etisalat branches. These include bill payment facilities and mobile credit recharge and renew for the following:
• Postpaid mobile GSM
• Prepaid mobile Wasel renew and recharge and ‘AHLAN’
• Fixed Landline
• Internet (Al Shamil, Dial up and Business one)
• Webfax
• eVision

These online services are designed to be a virtual branch where, with just a few clicks away, customers can avail of multiple services from their homes, offices or when they’re on the move.

On the occasion, Khalifa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Etisalat, said: “We launched this campaign to encourage our customers to consciously participate in an environment related effort  in any way possible, to ensure a greener world for our future generations. It is ultimately the responsibility of every individual and organization to consider the environmental impact of their actions and Etisalat’s activation of its online ‘paperless’ billing is aimed to gradually eliminate paper waste and also reduce transportation costs.”

Etisalat already offers additional 10% free credit instantly to customers’ advantage when they recharge their Wasel prepaid accounts online with their credit cards. Al Shamsi added: “For Wasel prepaid service, Etisalat also offers online payment and e-voucher as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional recharge cards.”

On a larger scale, in relation to Etisalat’s new FTTH infrastructure, as  per the result of a UAE based study on the efficacy of FTTH infrastructure, the amount of carbon dioxide produced by traditional cables could be cut by approx 85% and that the energy required by this advanced network could be slashed by up to 73%.

In addition to transaction services that Etisalat offers on its online web page, Etisalat customers can conveniently enjoy mobile pay services allowing customers to pay their Etisalat bills or recharge their Wasel accounts using their handsets, when needed, by dialing *123#(phonenumber). They can also activate the online auto pay service to pay their bills or recharge Wasel accounts at regular intervals, without their involvement.

Al Shamsi concluded, “Etisalat’s online services are extremely reliable and secure as they are protected by 3-D Secure system for online payments, developed by world-renowned companies, Visa and Mastercard.”

- Etisalat to demonstrate its Managed Telecom & ICT expertise  at Microsoft’s premier technology education event-

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: February 28th, 2010: Etisalat today announced its partnership with Microsoft Gulf for Tech.Ed Middle East 2010 as a Strategic ICT partner. Set to run from March 1st -3rd, 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tech.Ed is Microsoft’s premier technical education and networking event held across 10 global locations. At the event, Etisalat will showcase its comprehensive end to end ICT and Managed Telecom product portfolio.

Etisalat and Microsoft are collaborating on emerging technologies to create compelling solutions for customers by sharing and reviewing respective product roadmaps. The collaboration involves the development of solutions across several areas such as On-Premise and Off-Premise Unified Communications, Mobility, Hosted Business Applications and IPTV (TV over Broadband) in addition to many others.

Abdulla Hashim, Senior VP, Business Solutions, Etisalat said, “We are proud to partner with Microsoft for this event. With our end to end Managed telecom, ICT expertise and state of the art infrastructure, Etisalat can provide a very strong value proposition to drive productivity and optimize efficiencies across the value chain. Our participation at the first edition of Microsoft Tech.Ed demonstrates our commitment to drive the use of ICT for better business outcomes in association with Microsoft. This event is also an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness about our ICT offerings for the benefit of technology professionals and demonstrate the role we play in helping companies deploy innovative solutions that enhance business performance while reducing operational costs.”
                 Etisalat today is playing a leading role in facilitating an ICT driven economy in the UAE. With its considerable strengths and expertise in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the ICT landscape, Etisalat is providing a holistic management solution to business customers through a one stop approach in association with global IT partners. Moreover, ICT is increasingly being seen by companies as a key strategic element in exploiting growth opportunities in the UAE economy. This is illustrated by projections from global analyst firm IDC which estimates the total IT spend in UAE by 2010 to be $4987.5 million which is a growth of 14% from the previous year.
Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf added, “Tech.Ed is Microsoft’s premier, global technical platform that provides hands-on learning, deep product exploration and opportunities for IT professionals to connect with the industry and Microsoft experts. If you are developing, deploying or managing Microsoft solutions, then Tech.Ed Middle East is the conference that will help you solve today’s real-world IT challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s innovations. We are very pleased to partner with Etisalat for the first ever Tech.Ed event where

we will showcase our combined offerings, discuss key technology trends and share best practices that will transform and drive the success of businesses in the Middle East.”

The Microsoft Tech.Ed event features lecture-style presentations, keynote speeches by Microsoft’s leadership, a technical learning centre, instructor-led labs, as well as informal technical discussions. Etisalat executives will also deliver speeches and presentations at the event related to enhancing performance through high speed IP networks , using Microsoft Operations Framework(MOF) for ICT & service management projects and a focus on Software plus Service with Etisalat Hosted Offerings.

Sets up its own node in New York to expand its Global IPVPN initiative

Dubai, Feb 27, 2010: Etisalat, a leading carrier in the Middle East, today announced an agreement with Global Crossing, (Nasdaq: GLBC), a leading global IP solutions provider, to provide seamless connectivity alternatives to customers who want to expand their connectivity to the United States, Canada and Latin America from the United Arab Emirates.

As part of this alliance, Etisalat has set up its own node in New York with last mile connectivity provided by Global Crossing to offer global connectivity solutions through a secure and fully owned IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network. This is part of Etisalat‘s long term strategy of enhancing global connectivity options for its corporate customers.

“This partnership with Global Crossing is significant in terms of expanding the connectivity alternatives for our customers across the US, Canada and Latin America,” said Abdulla Hashim, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions, Etisalat. “This will enable us to leverage their local presence and the capabilities of their integrated IP-based network to support our customers. Moreover, the presence of our own nodes is a major differentiator for customers across this region that now can rely on us for world class connectivity solutions with advantages like reliable quality of service and network management capabilities.”

“We’re very pleased to join with Etisalat in offering our Extended Reach Solutions, comprised of the Global Crossing Fast-Track Services™ portfolio,” said Habib Issa, Global Crossing’s head of Carrier Sales for South Europe, Middle East and Africa. “As Etisalat’s business clients take advantage of globalization and IP convergence market

trends, they can benefit from Etisalat’s support model, strong regional presence and the global seamless network enabled by Global Crossing’s IP infrastructure.”

With the setting up of these new nodes, Etisalat will offer secure IP/MPLS links to carry data traffic on its own network. This also will translate into pricing advantages which will be passed on to customers since Etisalat will manage its own network from end-to-end in a seamless manner.

Etisalat joins a select list of top-tier service providers offering Global Crossing Fast-Track Services portfolio to their enterprise end users. Global Crossing Fast-Track Services combine the business processes, products, services and system tools necessary for service providers to quickly offer their enterprise customers end-to-end global data solutions, backed by consistent SLAs. In addition to Converged IP Services and Private Line, Fast-Track Services include Ethernet, Collaboration and Managed Services. The portfolio can help service providers avoid the costly expenditures and long lead times generally associated with service expansion. It also can help drive incremental revenue for a carrier by helping it provide additional opportunities to enterprise customers that need out-of-region IP-based solutions.

By virtue of its strategic agreement with Global Crossing, Etisalat will be able to further extend its customers connectivity in countries where it doesn’t have coverage by being part of the Global Crossing  MPLS network. This will enable UAE based customers to extend their connectivity through Etisalat across the US, Canada and Latin American markets.

The IP VPN services offered will deliver feature-rich capability of a fully managed IP network while providing the reliability, quality and security of an MPLS-based private network environment. Both companies will also work towards offering value added services like Managed Services utilizing their respective infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi, February 24, 2010: In a move to bring more economical communication solutions to businesses across the UAE, Etisalat today announced the introduction of the Favourite Country Plan for businesses, offering an additional 20% discount on the current  international direct dialing rates (IDD), for calls made to any 3 countries of their choice on business landlines.

The Favourite Country Plan is applicable to all calls made on landlines and gives customers the flexibility to choose any 3 countries best suited for their frequent calling requirements. This is in addition to the existing off-peak rates currently available to customers around the clock, thereby giving savings of upto 55% on their selected countries as per the plan.

Etisalat’s new introduction is aimed at providing UAE based companies with additional peace of mind when they communicate over their landline telephones through more attractive rates and substantial savings. It will also aid companies in their day-to-day interaction with partners, suppliers and employees across the globe, with a better control on monthly communication spends. The plan is also valid for landlines provided at the residence of company employees where the landlines are in the company`s name with  applicable  business line charges.

Commenting on the benefits of the additional discounts to Favourite countries, Mr. Abdulla Hashim, Senior VP, Business Solutions at Etisalat said, “Etisalat is totally committed to offer increased ways of more cost effective communication to businesses in the UAE. The Favourite Country Plan on landlines for businesses has been introduced to ensure maximum customer ease and savings, especially at a time when cost efficiencies are a priority given the current economic climate.”

Businesses also have the flexibility to subscribe to the Favourite Country plan, on single or multiple landlines at a minimal monthly fee of AED 20 per month per line.

For more information, customers can visit http://www.etisalat.ae/businessfcp  or call 8005800.

Join the excitement , play, subscribe and win instant prizes at promotion event in the Mall of the Emirates

Abu Dhabi, 18 February 2010: Etisalat’s ‘Reach Entertainment’ is back with abundant thrills, packed with exciting prizes and surprises for all. The ‘Reach Entertainment’ promotion event, starting today at the Mall of the Emirates (South Galleria) in Dubai till 27 February 2010, will bring a host of entertainment inspired activities and services to visiting customers, their families and friends.

Commenting on the occasion, Haitham Al Kharusi, Vice President, Marketing Communications at Etisalat said: “From an experiential perspective, the “Reach Entertainment” platform is a great way to connect with our customers through various exciting activities, all of which allow them to enjoy Etisalat’s entertainment services along with their friends and families. With this, Etisalat continues to deliver on its promise of creating entertainment experiences for its customers through stimulating services that engage them and are based on their interests and needs.”

Etisalat’s ‘Reach Entertainment’ stand at the mall is conveniently divided in four sections, promising uninterrupted amusement, demonstrations and prizes for all visitors. An interactive island will demonstrate live Etisalat’s innovative Mobile TV service wherein customers can access a wide array of channels on the move on their 3g mobile devices. This segment also features and illustrates services such as Push-to-talk (PTT) and Video call services for Etisalat customers.

Coinciding with the first anniversary of Etisalat’s historic partnership with Football Club Barcelona (FCB) as their ‘Official International Partner’, the Reach Entertainment aims to celebrate the first successful year with all its customers by way of fun-filled services, activities and loads of prizes. At a special ‘Sport’s section of the stand, Etisalat has unlimited sports action for its sporting fans including FCB alerts, United Football League (UFL) alerts and sports alert services. The latest ‘Etisalat Barca mobile’ platform, through Etisalat’s online gateway, Weyak offers complete updated information, keeping fans close to all the FCB football action, championships and matches. At the stand, customers can browse the Etisalat Barca Mobile portal for AED 7 to access FCB videos, fun facts, profiles, news, scores and much more. 

A dedicated zone of the stand showcases Etisalat Messenger, Voice SMS and MMS, services that compliment and are already gaining popularity amongst the youth in the country. The new Etisalat Messenger is one such exciting service that customers can subscribe to at the stand for AED 25 to stay connected socially with all their friends and family using the service. They can also participate in other interactive and instant contests via Voice SMS or MMS.

The engaging ‘Music’ section of the stand will bring out, amongst other services,  Etisalat’s latest innovative Weyak-Vringo video ringtone service that will give Etisalat customers the ability to browse and download mobile videos, set them as ringtones and share them with other Weyak-Vringo users just by calling. Etisalat’s personalized ‘Greetunes’ and Mobile Ringtones are also a must visit on the same island.

To maximize fun on ‘Reach Entertainment’ platform, Etisalat will host a variety of activities in its entertainment zone featuring football simulation games to be played live at the stands and a special karaoke room where visitors can sing live and enter competitions by uploading their songs on Etisalat’s Weyak portal for live voting and exciting prizes. They can also participate in on-the-spot games and questions for instant prizes. On weekends, football free stylers will enchant the crowds with their free styling tricks.

Customers subscribing to any service on the stand will get a promotional bag with a bouquet of ‘Reach Entertainment’ gifts and will also qualify to enter a daily raffle draw for every subscription. With five raffle draws held each day for ten days, customers who subscribe more, get more chances to win too.

Introduces Barca mobile services for all football fans in the UAE

Abu Dhabi, 17 February 2010: Celebrating its first year of partnership with Football Club Barcelona (FCB) as the ‘Official International Partner”, Etisalat today launched the ‘Etisalat Barca Mobile’ platform through its online gateway, Weyak. The Barca Mobile service will offer complete updated information, always keeping fans close to all the FCB football action, championships and matches. It will provide videos, fun facts, profiles, news, scores and much more to keep Barca fans connected to their favorite team. Witnessed by Joan Laporta, President of FCBarcelona and Etisalat Chairman, Mohammad Hassan Omran, Etisalat’s announcement came during its participation in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, held from 15-18 February. 

The ‘Etisalat Barca Mobile’ service, available in English and Arabic languages, includes exciting features letting fans switch between news feeds and future fixture lists, visit dedicated profile pages for the players and view an array of images in the photo galleries. A special video section will thrill customer with on-demand clips and download options with match highlights, insightful interviews and Barca toons.

Customers can subscribe to this service in two simple steps. First, send an SMS ‘FCB’ to 1611, and upon receiving a confirmation message from Etisalat, complete the subscription by going to http://fcb.weyak.ae from their mobile using Weyak (WAP) access point. The service is charged at AED 7 per week.

For Smart Phone customers, the usage of the service will be considered as regular Internet surfing using the data package that the customer has subscribed to. Unlimited Blackberry customers will not be charged data usage for this service.

Joan Laporta said on the occasion: “These are exciting times at FC Barcelona and the latest development of the Etisalat Barca Mobile portal positively drives FCB’s partnership with Etisalat to the next level of achievement. After an incredible year of success, we are now extremely excited about the new and impressive mobile platform for all of Etisalat’s customers and our supporters and fans.

Laporta earlier commented on the partnership with Etisalat saying that “2009 was a historic year for FCB, with the team registering consecutive wins in all the championships we participated in. I would also like to thank our partner Etisalat and their customers for bringing good wishes for the team. Our association with Etisalat since February last year has been extremely auspicious for FC Barcelona.

Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat commented: “The first year of our partnership with FCB has come to fruition with marked achievements of our objectives.  We offered FCB fans from amongst our customers the opportunity of a life time to visit the Club and experience the matches live in Camp Nou Barcelona, to meet with their favorite FCB stars and travel with them in their personal charters for away matches.

“Today we progress to a new phase in our partnership as we launch this attractive service to football fans, in association with FCB, to keep them forever connected with all the FCB action. We take pride in this successful collaboration and dedicate our first year’s achievement to our customers”, he added.

Haddad further pointed out that more FCB buzz and excitement is on its way to the Etisalat customers. Etisalat will organize two friendly matches between FCB and a nominated club or team. The first one will be played this year between the official FC Barcelona Team and a nominated club or team, further details of which will be announced later.