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UAE: Five years late, regulators to allow mobile number mobility

By  |  October 21, 2013

Five years after its intended start date, the United Arab Emirates will reportedly allow wireless consumers to switch providers without having to change their mobile number.

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    The nation’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority originally looked to have the regulations implemented by mid-2008 but reports cited technical issues for the delay.

    The move is part of government efforts to boost competition within the wireless telco sector, which is state-controlled. Consumers largely choose between the nation’s two main rivals, du and Etisalat.

    In a statement Monday, the TRA said it would implement the changes by December of this year.

    Etisalat held a monopoly until 2007 when du entered the market, say reports.

    Full content: Reuters

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