Du expects 40% jump in CAPEX this year

United Arab Emirates (UAE) fixed and mobile operator Du says it expects capital expenditures to rise by 40% this year as it increases investment in 5G mobile technology. The firm, which is hoping to launch a live 5G network towards the end of the year, is aiming to spend between AED1.3 billion and AED1.4 billion (USD354 million-USD381 million) during the course of 2019, up from AED1 billion last year. Du reported revenues of AED13.4 billion for full-year 2018, up 3.2% year-on-year, while net profit for the year was up 2.4% to AED1.8 billion.