Complaints about prices and the level of service from telecommunications companies are nothing new, nor are they restricted to this country. It seems that we all have a love-hate relationship with the companies that provide the services – specifically home broadband and mobile internet – that have become essential to our lives. While we can download a television show in a minute, it can take substantially longer to access customer service.
As The National reported yesterday, some customers of Etisalat and du are objecting to the lack of choice available from these telecoms providers, and say they are being forced to pay for services they do not use. Specifically, they are complaining about having to pay for the bundling of television and landline telephone services that they don't want with their broadband connections. Some customers said they were told they could not have broadband internet on its own, and some were told they would have to visit the provider's head office if they wanted to switch to a broadband-only package. Others were told that an internet-and-phone service could be provided, but only at a lower broadband speed than they required. This has been particularly frustrating for customers who know that a variety of options are available elsewhere in the world – and often at a lower cost.
Etisalat and du are, of course, a duopoly. When it comes to television and home-internet connections, they serve different areas, meaning that they are, in effect, monopolies. This situation will change, with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority indicating that a new infrastructure-sharing agreement will enable competition at retail level. However, while there are just two players in any market, they only have to match each other's prices, products and service. It takes the entry of at least one more company to ensure vigorous competition and more choice for customers.
While such competition is unlikely in the near future, Etisalat and du still must pay attention to the public mood and offer products that are affordable and fit for purpose. History has shown that if any company builds up too much ill-will over time, customers will shift to competitors as soon as they get the chance.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
liverpool youngsters
Ki-Jana Hoever
The only one of this squad to have scored for Liverpool, the versatile Dutchman impressed on his debut at Wolves in January. He can play right-back, centre-back or in midfield.
Herbie Kane
Not the most prominent H Kane in English football but a 21-year-old Bristolian who had a fine season on loan at Doncaster last year. He is an all-action midfielder.
Luis Longstaff
Signed from Newcastle but no relation to United’s brothers Sean and Matty, Luis is a winger. An England Under-16 international, he helped Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup last season.
Yasser Larouci
An 18-year-old Algerian-born winger who can also play as a left-back, Larouci did well on Liverpool’s pre-season tour until an awful tackle by a Sevilla player injured him.
Adam Lewis
Steven Gerrard is a fan of his fellow Scouser, who has been on Liverpool’s books since he was in the Under-6s, Lewis was a midfielder, but has been converted into a left-back.
