International call rates to be cut

Dubai: Etisalat will reduce international call rates before the end of the year, a source told Gulf News yesterday, but the official declined to give the extent of the reduction and the countries involved.

"The announcement could come anytime," the source said, requesting anonymity. "Besides, we are planning to launch a number of new services that will continue to attract new subscribers."

This will impact both the fixed-phone and mobile services, which, analysts feel will affect the prospects of du, the country's second telecom operator, that is to launch services later this year.