UAE telcos introduce carrier pre-selection

The UAE’s two telcos, Du and Etisalat have started offering carrier pre-selection for fixed-voice calls, the regulator has announced.

CPS is the more advanced mechanism of carrier selection as it allows customers to select their preferred service provider to route their fixed-voice calls without having to dial additional codes on the telephone or programming on-site equipment.

"This is a significant milestone for the licensees and it carries a great benefit for the telecommunications industry in the UAE. Users now have the opportunity to choose their service provider regardless of the main access line provider," said TRA director general Mohamed Al Ghanim, commenting on the implications this commercial launch will have on the UAE market.

A customer, whether business or residential, who is physically connected to Etisalat’s network will be able to have access to services from Du’s network; and vice-versa.

In the early part of the third quarter of 2011, both licensees announced the soft launch of this service.