Etisalat has finally launched its mobile communications services in Nigeria with the 0809-digit after acquiring Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (EMTS) in partnership with Mubadala Development Company.

Incorporated in Nigeria as a private company, it acquired the Unified Access License from the Federal Government in January 2007 which includes a mobile license and spectrum in the GSM 1800 and 900 MHz bands at a price of $400million (Four Hundred Million U.S. Dollars). Etisalat acquired a 40% stake in EMTS and is now the operator of the Unified Access License.

Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the United Arab Emirates since 1976 and has built up state-of-the-art telecom infrastructures and has been at the forefront of technological innovations, including a 3.75 network deployed in Egypt. Etisalat also owns majority shares in Thuraya, a leading provider of satellite telephony.

Etisalat is set to demonstrate its core values of optimism, simplicity and caring – for which it has became known in other markets to the Nigerian people as it offers them world-class telecommunications services. It is investing heavily in the Nigerian economy as well as in its own human resources. The company has put in place various skills acquisition and training programs to enable its people offer outstanding quality and services to Nigerians.

The mobile telecoms company has footprints in 16 countries traversing the Middle East, Asia and Africa. In Africa, Etisalat’s operations span 10 African nations including Sudan and Zanzibar. It therefore begins operations in Nigeria with considerable experience in successfully rolling out networks in challenging terrains.

Etisalat’s vision is a world where people’s reach is not limited by matter or distance; a world where people will effortlessly stay in touch with family and friends; a world where businesses of all sizes can reach new markets without the limitations of distance and travel.