Duopoly
In February 2006, a new Telephone company and Internet Service Provider called "du" has been established. Earlier it was providing triple play services to free zones areas under the name Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) (Which is still its legal name). du includes the telecommunications arm of Emaar properties, previously called "Sahm". Sahm as a telecomms operator for Emaar, a commercial and residential real estate developer, was in competition with the state-run Etisalat, and was arbitrarily absorbed into Dubai Holding Company/TECOM/Dubai government prior to the formation of du. As such, du services are only available in Dubai Holding Company/Emaar properties at present. Public services, competitive to Etisalat, should commence at the end of 2006. Number portability will not be immediately available.
Read more about this topic: Communications In The United Arab Emirates