Vodafone, the world's largest mobile network has partnered with du to make its products and services available in the UAE. The UK-based network, active in 27 countries and with almost 300 million customers, is a global distributor of the Apple iPhone, the hugely popular handset that has no legal distributor in the UAE. Vodafone has access to a range of custom-made mobile devices and network services, which will progressively be made available to du subscribers. It will also support du in the technical management of its network, and help the company access its global corporate customers.
Vodafone has launched the iPhone in Egypt, its largest Arab market, and will make it available in Qatar when its new network launches in the Gulf state. A statement released announcing the deal said the partnership would eventually provide du customers with "faster and exclusive access to new models of handsets". Neither du nor Etisalat, the country's largest mobile operator, have yet announced any plans to launch the iPhone.
tgara@thenational.ae
