Etisalat, the leading telecom service provider in the UAE, has launched the long term evolution (LTE) service, the Emirate’s fastest 4G network.

Customers can make use of the much-awaited service starting today (December 18), a statement from the company said. 

Etisalat has made available the E398-LTE USB modems which enable customers to access LTE super speeds of up to 100 mbps. Etisalat’s 4G LTE network will allow customers to enjoy speed-demanding apps such as video-streaming, video-conferencing, and networked gaming.

Priced at Dh799 ($217.56), the devices are widely available on a standalone basis in all Etisalat business centers and outlets across the UAE, the statement said.

New customers will receive the device for free and can receive access to LTE (4G) services upon subscribing to Etisalat’s My DataPlan Ultra pack bundle on a six or 12 months contract. The Ultra pack provides customers with the UAE’s largest data allowance of 20GB.

In addition, customers get free hours of unlimited internet usage and downloading from midnight to 3am every day, it said.

Matthew Willsher, chief marketing officer, said: “The launch of the service and USB modems follows user trials that showed exceptionally satisfying performance. In the coming months, our customers can expect a range of LTE compatible data-centric wireless routers and tablets, and 4G enabled phones, as and when they are available in the market.”

Etisalat has deployed nearly 1000 base stations and its current LTE footprint spans major cities covering 70 percent of the population. “Very soon, we will cover the entire nation to bring faster speeds to more and more people,” Willsher said.

Etisalat has deployed an FDD-LTE network that allows full mobility and smooth transition between LTE and HSPA+. For customers traveling outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Etisalat’s 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected.

Etisalat’s 3G network allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase the 4G LTE USB modem today, to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when they travel to other areas, or when faster network becomes available in their area. Alternatively, they can also use the modem when they travel to an area already covered by 4G LTE. – TradeArabia News Service