Etisalat rolls out new post-paid GSM service
This is the first of many customer-focused packages planned by the UAE's lone telecom operator, before the market embraces duopoly in the coming years.
Etisalat has launched Najm, a new post-paid GSM service for premium subscribers, effective today.
This is the first of many customer-focused packages planned by the UAE's lone telecom operator, before the market embraces duopoly in the coming years.
Etisalat has 3.8 million subscribers with 80 per cent utilising pre-paid services. The rest are post-paid subscribers. Najm is expected to increase the level of post-paid subscription in the coming years.
"This new service will add further value to the calling experience - there are more options, more plans and more features applicable to their lifestyles. Najm is an example of our continued efforts to address customer needs," said Etisalat CEO Mohammad Hassan Omran.
Etisalat's existing GSM customers will be able to migrate to the new system soon, if they wish to. At a later stage, selected Wasel subscribers will also be able to migrate to Najm.
In the past few months, the company has carried out extensive market research to design a service for the high-end customer segment.
The Najm package is customised for this segment, which is composed of customers who make a substantial number of local calls and value premium service.
Mohammad Al Fahim, Etisalat's executive vice-president of marketing, said: "The Najm customer will be able to speak for as long as they like, assured that they are receiving good value on the minute plan they have chosen.
"Najm is not for everyone. The package is designed to attract a selective and distinguished segment of the overall market."
Najm subscribers will have the option to select their own VIP number for an additional monthly rental.
"We expect the choice for what are often called 'good numbers' will represent a unique feature to many phone users who are used to a lifestyle marked by privilege and first class amenities," Al Fahim noted.
Etisalat will also introduce the Najm Privilege Card, which gives Najm subscribers exclusive access to a dedicated customer care number (800 Najm).
Three categories
VIP numbers offered to subscribers
- Najm, meaning 'star' in English, has been structured into three categories, all offering minimum usage of time and short messaging service (SMS) at a fixed price.
- The first package allows a subscriber to utilise 500 local minutes and 50 local SMS for Dh120 per month; the second offers 1,000 local minutes and 100 local SMS for Dh230 per month and the third package allows a subscriber to utilise 2,000 local minutes and 200 local SMS for Dh450 per month.
- All the packages include free connection, free multi-media massaging services (MMS), free Al Mersal Voice Mail and free call waiting services.
- Etisalat is also offering VIP numbers to Najm subscribers. Silver, Gold and Platium cardholders with VIP numbers will shell out an additional Dh50, Dh150 and Dh300 per month for the new numbers.
- Customers can apply over the counter for these numbers from today.
- Najm subscribers will be charged a Dh0.24 flat rate per additional minute exceeding their plan and Dh0.18 per additional SMS.
- The service comes at a quarterly rental of Dh60, apart from the other charges.
- Subscribers will not get any benefit for underutilisation of the services. The balance unused time per SMS will not be carried forward.
