Etisalat Announces iPhone 3GS Prices!

[Empgamer]

It will be very interesting to compare their packages and whether or not Eitalat will offer any kind of 'early bird' enticement like Du have done (e.g. between 300 and 500 credit if booked before 27th). Given that it's the 25th now I doubt it unless they confer any such benefit on people who have registered an interest by SMS or announce a deal today.

It will also be interesting to see whether they offer flexible contracts too. Du do not require a 12 month committment.

Though I'd prefer to go Etisalat because of the numbers I already have and, and because of some poor SMS and voice reception I have had with Du in AD, I am still not 100% committed. That Du do not require a 12 month contract, offer 300-500 credit and have plans which are very reasonable at the moment overrides the fact that on Etisalat the phones are 70 AED cheaper.

[asifismail]

as empgamer put it, the biggest obstacle in switching between operators really is one's number. once they allow us to transfer our numbers back and forth between carriers, then the real competition will start between etisalat and du. i've had my number for over 10 years now and it would be impossible for me to try to change it now.

[Magnus]

as empgamer put it, the biggest obstacle in switching between operators really is one's number. once they allow us to transfer our numbers back and forth between carriers, then the real competition will start between etisalat and du. i've had my number for over 10 years now and it would be impossible for me to try to change it now.

TRA has said you'll be able to do that starting November.

[fangpyre]

I thought they said it will be early 2010.
But I agree, I don't think I can carry 2 lines.
In fact, I am not sure I want to switch just yet.
Though I am tempted to get another line, at least to make international calls.
Something that would stay at home, like a landline.

[Magnus]

I thought they said it will be early 2010.
But I agree, I don't think I can carry 2 lines.
In fact, I am not sure I want to switch just yet.
Though I am tempted to get another line, at least to make international calls.
Something that would stay at home, like a landline.

"The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) will launch mobile phone number portability in the UAE in November, the authority told Emirates Business yesterday."

[Empgamer]

On the radio this morning there was an announcement re special deals on the 3G at a mall here. So out of curiosity I called in at the Etisalat stand. The deal - no change from last reduction - 2775 for 16 gb 3G. Now let me see. Shall I jump at this amazing offer OR wait 2 days and get twice the memory and a faster device for 24 AED more???? I am sure they will sell out ;-)

[fangpyre]

Gulf News said 2010 a while back.
I will take EB's word since it is newer, I guess.

[michl]

"The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) will launch mobile phone number portability in the UAE in November, the authority told Emirates Business yesterday."

Absolutely great news! Then I checked the above linked article, and there's another one from today:

iPhone 3GS launch on Tuesday !

"Etisalat and du will launch iPhone 3GS, the fastest and most powerful iPhone yet, in the UAE on Tuesday. The price to buy the iPhone handset from etisalat with 32GB memory will cost Dh2,799, 16GB Dh2,399 and 8GB Dh1,999."

No plan info yet.

[fakhra]

Plans will be available tomorrow Etisalat PR rep told me.

"Their" tomorrow didn't come yet

[Magnus]

"Their" tomorrow didn't come yet

I know, guess they didn't tell me the truth...