LONDON—General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)-based mobile Internet services are being rolled out across the Middle East, with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the way.
Jordan’s largest mobile-phone operator, Fastlink, announced the commercial launch of its GPRS service six months after successful testing of the service. To encourage take-up, Fastlink GPRS services will be free until 15 February.
“Over the next few months, a variety of services will be introduced to reflect the increased capabilities offered by GPRS technology, according to Samer Bazyan, Data Group manager at Fastlink.
Fastlink’s main rival Mobilecom already has its network in place and expects to announce the commercial launch of GPRS services in the coming weeks.
In the UAE, Etisalat has announced the launch of its m-Net GPRS service, which will be available to all its postpaid GSM subscribers, with services expected to be rolled out to prepaid subscribers sometime in the second half of the year.
Etisalat is also running an introductory free offer between 8 January and 28 February.
“With the demand for wireless data increasing rapidly, Etisalat is committed to providing the latest advances in technology to its customers,” said Mohammed Al Fahim, executive vice president marketing, Etisalat. “This is the latest step on Etisalat’s progression toward third-generation or 3G mobile technology.”
