The Emirates Telecommunications Company (Etisalat) provides comprehensive telecommunications and Internet services across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Fixed line penetration in the emirate is about 25%, while mobile phone penetration is well above 110% (as of mid-2007). About 49% of its population also use the Internet for e-mail and search, as well as for other applications such as entertainment, e-learning and e-commerce. Etisalat is in the process of migrating fixed line subscribers onto a Next Generation Network (NGN), while its mobile subscribers enjoy 3G services that allow such services as SMS and MMS, amongst others. Etisalat’s Blackberry services also commenced in 2006.

Etisalat observes dual rates (peak and off-peak) for national and international phone calls arising from either fixed or mobile telephone lines. Off-peak rates, which are significantly lower than peak rates, may be availed during designated hours on ordinary days and during Fridays and other special holidays. Off-peak hours for mobile phone services (both voice calls and SMS) are between 2:00pm and 4:00 pm and between 12:00 midnight and 7:00 am. Off peak hours for calls within the UAE from a landline to another landline, however, are between 2:00pm and 4:00pm and from 7:00pm to 7:00am.

Outgoing national calls from a mobile phone during peak hours costs 30 fils for the first 60 seconds, and 15 fils for every succeeding 30 seconds (or 12 fils for every 30 seconds during off-peak hours). Outgoing SMS, on the other hand, costs 18 fils per message (national) or 30 fils per message (international).

Fixed and wireless Internet access is ubiquitous across the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Most hotels provide Internet access in their conference lounges, as well as in their rooms and suites. Furthermore, dozens of restaurants and coffee shops  are now offering wireless Internet access services, including public places such as the airport and malls. And if, on a very unexpected occasion, you find yourself with neither both, the third option is to avail access in a nearby Internet café, where the hourly rates range between Dhs5 to Dhs10, depending on the location and available facilities within the cafe.