Etisalat yesterday announced a new service for Wasel subscribers, allowing subscribers to recharge their accounts online using E-WAP on Wasel mobile phones and E-shop through the Internet.

With the new service Etisalat also becomes the first operator to offer recharge through mobiles using E-WAP in the region.

"This move towards online business has moved at a tremendous pace with the vision and guidance of Their Highnesses the Rulers, Members of the Supreme Council, making a remarkable push towards e-government," said an Etisalat statement.

It said the move was gripping the telecommunications industry with Etisalat concentrating its considerable expertise towards a virtual business centre – Etisalat Online.

The statement added: "The electronic development has taken another giant step forward as Etisalat becomes the first telecommunications operator in the region to allow you to recharge your Wasel account using E-WAP on your mobile phone. In addition, it is also possible to recharge Wasel online at www.etisalat4me.co.ae.

"Both recharges are done by credit card with a minimum amount of Dh30 and a maximum limit of Dh1,000."

Khalid Al Kaf, General Manager of Network Services, who headed the team that developed the E-Shop, said the policy has worked as the number of subscribers has increased and most of them use E-Shop to pay their bills.

"As we were determined to make the launch of E-Shop a success, we decided to progress in stages rather than starting off being too ambitious," he said.

Al Kaf also said that since the service has started generating considerable consumer interest, Etisalat plans to introduce several new features. Wasel recharge through the Internet E-WAP is just the start of a detailed strategy put in place.

According to Etisalat, the service is launched to coincide with the festive season allowing Wasel custo-mers to recharge the accounts of family and friends as a surprise gift.