Sharjah

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Comprehensive Guide to Telecommunication Services in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah, like the rest of the UAE, has a well-developed telecommunication infrastructure. The services are reliable, fast, and cater to both residents and visitors. Below is a detailed guide to telecommunication services in Sharjah, including service providers, types of services, costs, subscription procedures, required documents, and local regulations.

1. Service Providers in Sharjah

The UAE has two main telecommunication service providers that operate in Sharjah:

  1. Etisalat (Emirates Telecommunications Corporation)
  2. du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company)

Both providers offer a wide range of services, including mobile, internet, and landline connections. They are regulated by the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

2. Types of Telecommunication Services Offered

a. Mobile Services

  • Prepaid Plans: Ideal for visitors or those who prefer flexibility. These plans allow you to pay as you go for calls, SMS, and data.
  • Postpaid Plans: Suitable for residents or long-term immigrants. These plans come with monthly billing and often include bundled services (e.g., free minutes, SMS, and data).
  • Tourist SIM Cards: Special SIM cards designed for short-term visitors, offering affordable data and call packages.

b. Internet Services

  • Home Broadband: High-speed internet services are available for residents, with options for fiber-optic connections offering speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Mobile Data: Both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans include data packages for on-the-go internet access.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspots: Public Wi-Fi is available in many areas, including malls, cafes, and public parks. Some hotspots are free, while others require a subscription.

c. Landline Services

  • Landline connections are typically bundled with home internet and TV services. They are commonly used for domestic and international calls.

d. TV Services

  • Both Etisalat and du offer TV packages that include local and international channels. These are often bundled with internet and landline services.

3. Costs of Telecommunication Services

a. Mobile Services

  • Prepaid SIM Cards: Starting from AED 50, with recharge options ranging from AED 20 to AED 500.
  • Postpaid Plans: Monthly plans start at AED 125 and can go up to AED 1,000+ depending on the data and call allowances.
  • Tourist SIM Cards: Packages start at AED 49 and can go up to AED 299, depending on the validity and data/call allowances.

b. Internet Services

  • Home Broadband: Monthly costs range from AED 250 to AED 1,000+, depending on the speed and additional services (e.g., TV bundles).
  • Mobile Data: Data add-ons for prepaid and postpaid plans start at AED 25 for 1 GB and go up to AED 500 for unlimited data.

c. Landline Services

  • Landline services are usually included in home internet bundles. Standalone landline services cost around AED 30–50 per month, excluding call charges.

4. Subscription Procedures

a. Mobile Services

  1. Visit an authorized retailer, service provider store, or airport kiosk (for tourist SIMs).
  2. Choose a prepaid, postpaid, or tourist SIM plan.
  3. Provide the required documents (see below).
  4. Pay the activation fee (if applicable) and receive your SIM card.

b. Internet and Landline Services

  1. Visit the service provider’s store or website.
  2. Choose a package (internet-only or bundled with landline/TV).
  3. Submit the required documents.
  4. Schedule an installation appointment (for home broadband and landline services).
  5. Pay the initial fees (if applicable).

5. Required Documents

To subscribe to telecommunication services in Sharjah, you will need the following:

  • For Residents:
    • Emirates ID (mandatory for all residents in the UAE).
    • Passport with a valid UAE residence visa.
    • Proof of address (e.g., tenancy contract, utility bill).
  • For Visitors:
    • Passport with a valid UAE entry stamp or visa.
    • Tourist SIMs may require additional proof of travel (e.g., airline ticket).
  • For Businesses:
    • Trade license.
    • Authorized signatory’s Emirates ID and passport copy.

6. Local Considerations and Regulations

  1. SIM Card Registration: All SIM cards in the UAE must be registered under the user’s name using valid identification. This is a government regulation to ensure security.
  2. VoIP Services: Popular VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are restricted in the UAE. However, licensed alternatives like Botim, C’Me, and Microsoft Teams are available through Etisalat and du.
  3. Censorship: The UAE has strict internet censorship laws. Certain websites and content (e.g., adult content, gambling, and politically sensitive material) are blocked.
  4. Fair Usage Policy: Unlimited data plans are subject to a fair usage policy, which may throttle speeds after a certain data limit is reached.
  5. Roaming Services: Both Etisalat and du offer international roaming packages, but these can be expensive. It’s advisable to check rates before using roaming services.
  6. Customer Support: Both providers offer 24/7 customer support through their hotlines, websites, and mobile apps.

7. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Tourist SIMs: If you’re visiting Sharjah for a short period, opt for a tourist SIM card for affordable and hassle-free connectivity.
  • Bundle Packages: Residents can save money by opting for bundled packages that include internet, landline, and TV services.
  • Compare Plans: Both Etisalat and du offer competitive plans. Compare their offerings to find the best deal for your needs.
  • Stay Updated: Promotions and discounts are frequently offered, especially during holidays like Ramadan or UAE National Day.
  • Use Public Wi-Fi: Take advantage of free public Wi-Fi in malls, cafes, and parks to save on mobile data.

8. Contact Information for Service Providers

Etisalat

  • Website: www.etisalat.ae
  • Customer Service: 101 (within UAE) or +971 800 2300 (international)
  • Store Locator: Available on their website.

du

  • Website: www.du.ae
  • Customer Service: 155 (within UAE) or +971 55 567 8155 (international)
  • Store Locator: Available on their website.

By understanding the telecommunication services in Sharjah, you can stay connected and make the most of your time in the city. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, the options provided by Etisalat and du ensure that you’ll find a plan that suits your needs.