TRA participates in Broadband World Forum MEA 2011.

Abu Dhabi, March 15th, 2011 (WAM) -- The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has participated for the second time in the Broadband World Forum MEA 2011.

Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Director General, in his speech, reviewed the number of subscribers in the Emirates since 1960, giving examples that show the broad development that has occurred in the sector and noted the highlights during this history.

" UAE Telecommunications sector plays an extremely important role in the economy. It contributed nearly 5.3% to GDP and employees more than 12,000 people, while the total industry investment was AED 7,861 million for 2010", Al Ghanim said.

"October 1971 witnessed the first agreement between the GCC countries to establish a Permanent Committee for Telecommunications for the Arabian Gulf Region. Today Telecom markets in GCC countries demonstrate progress on issues such as spectrum as well as broadband connectivity and other advanced technologies", he added.

During the speech, Al Ghanim mentioned many facts that reflect the continuous growth of broadband; over 60% of UAE households are connected to the internet through fibre network. Meanwhile, the two local service providers Etisalat and du supply triple-play services to households and business customers. Broadband subscribers grow in 2010 to reach 1.375m.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)