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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.

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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