Etisalat offers UAE's first Internet speed-based mobile data package

Etisalat, the Abu Dhabi-based multinational telecom service provider, became the first UAE carrier to offer mobile data plans according to the customer’s chosen Internet speed on Monday.

The company officially launched its “Nonstop Daily Data Plans” for customers using Wasel prepaid services, which allows users to choose among three data speed plans.

Etisalat customers can for the first time be charged by Internet speed instead of being charged based on how much data is used. The company’s mobile telecom service division is adopting the same speed-based model used by Etisalat’s home Internet connection plans.

Etisalat Chief Consumer Officer Khaled ElKhouly said that constant Internet access has become a normal part of life for many of the company’s mobile users. The new plan allows users to have uninterrupted Web access without worrying about extra charges for going over data limits, ElKhouly said.

“Etisalat’s new nonstop plans provide hassle-free connectivity all day long at a very pocket-friendly price,” ElKhouly said. “It’s affordable, it gives all-day access and it’s simple to use. We are certain that these new options will live up to the expectations of our prepaid mobile customer segment.”

Etisalat prepaid customers can switch their package subscription easily on their phones. Customers can choose the budget package which provides 192 kbps, a mid-level option giving 400 kbps and a premium offering that gives access to 4G Internet speeds.