Etisalat of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it is expecting to invest AED4 billion (USD1.09 billion) in 2019 upgrading its infrastructure as it looks to expand 5G services, which were launched last month. Dr. Ahmed bin Ali, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communication at Etisalat, told the Emirates News Agency WAM: ‘The upgrade will cover the company’s mobile phone and fibre-optic networks, along with infrastructure development as well as Etisalat’s 5G network.’ Etisalat plans to have 600 5G base stations in service by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, rival UAE telco Du says its own 5G investment will reach AED1.5 billion this year. Du, which launched its first 5G-capable handset earlier this month, has 120 5G towers in operation now, with 700 planned by year-end.