Etisalat to launch 20 SIM vending machines

Abu Dhabi: Etisalat will launch 20 SIM vending machines before the end of this year which are set to be located across centres in the UAE with increased footfall.

The automated innovative machine has been designed to enable residents to buy a new SIM card, replace an existing one or pay their telephone or internet and landline bills, consequently eliminating the need to physically visit one of etisalat’s offices to execute any of these transactions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of ‘UAE innovation Week’ at the Emirates Identity Authority’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, a representative at etisalat told Gulf News: “The process is very simple. All you need to do is insert your Emirates ID for your credentials to be verified. You can later navigate through the machine’s wide range of options and complete your transactions accordingly.”

“Currently, we only have one SIM vending machine in The Dubai Mall. We will have additional machines in Mirdif City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, and Deira City Centre, among others.”

“In Abu Dhabi, the SIM vending machine will be available at etisalat’s business centre, Mushrif Mall, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, as well as Sharjah’s Mega Mall and Ajman’s City Centre,” he added.

He said that they have opted for these locations for a start since they see increased footfall.

He explained that this move stems from etisalat’s aim to introduce projects that reflect the importance of innovation in every way possible.

“Innovation is a core objective at etisalat and we always try to embed that in any of the projects that we launch, and to also fulfil consumers’ demands and ease the services for them as much as we can.”

“Another main objective behind launching this initiative is to help customers perform these transactions without having to physically go to our offices.”

Etisalat is also on a mission to launch 100 additional machines across the UAE in 2016. Making these machines serviceable for UAE visitors is currently under discussion and a timeline will be announced in due course, he added.

Box – SIM Vending Machine details:

Machines to be available before the end of this year in:

Abu Dhabi: (1) Etisalat’s business centre (2) Mushrif Mall (3) Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

Dubai: (1) Mall of the Emirates (2) Mirdif City Centr, (3) Deira City Centre

Sharjah: Mega Mall

Ajman: City Centre