Dubai: Postpaid customers without subscription to etisalat’s roaming services will be able to receive incoming voice calls and send/receive SMS by default while travelling abroad without having to pay the refundable roaming deposit of Dh2,000.

Etisalat said that subscribers need a data package to access data.

“The new facility, for the first time in the UAE, will have no change in charges. Customers will be notified about this new facility through SMS,” etisalat said.

“Etisalat constantly seeks to provide innovative services to guarantee customer satisfaction. We hope this service will ensure ease of travel for our customers. The business environment is changing and so are the needs of subscribers. As the UAE continues to grow as a global hub for all kinds of businesses, etisalat’s infrastructure will provide the crucial support necessary for the development of the country and its people,” Khalid Al Khouly, Chief Marketing Officer at etisalat, said in a statement.

Etisalat mobile users can use their lines while travelling with more than 680 roaming partners across 190 countries. Roaming usage will be charged according to standard roaming rates.

Etisalat charges Dh60 for 30 minutes incoming voice call, Dh140 for 100 minutes and Dh200 for 200 minutes.

Incoming SMS is free but outgoing SMS is charged at Dh1 per SMS within the GCC and Dh1.5 within Arab States. The charge is Dh2 outside Arab States.

Customers wishing to use data services and make calls while roaming can upgrade to full standard roaming service as per the current process.