The iPhone 5 is set to usher in new levels of connectivity and service as the UAE's telecoms providers rush to get better, writes Megha Merani... The new Apple device is the first smartphone in its category to offer LTE (Long-Term Evolution) - the latest and fastest way to transmit data, with download speeds of up to 100Mbps. And with both UAE phone companies Etisalat and du promising since the iPhone 5 launch that they'll be able to support the high-powered technology on their networks, experts say that's great news. For us, the customer. "The iPhone 5 is driving networks to be better," says Mervyn Kelly, marketing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa for network specialist firm Ciena. "The change is related to the overall smartphone phenomenon - but the iPhone has been leaders of that phenomenon." With the astronomical pace of evolution in smartphones, mobile service providers face tremendous strain to their networks though. The sheer volume of people who will access networks for bandwidth-heavy applications - such as the trend of streaming video on mobile devices - will only expand. "The success of the smartphone's applications is reliant on the overall user experience - and this is where network connectivity comes in," says Kelly. But the key question is - are the networks good enough to handle the move to LTE? "It's a case of how fast they move," says Kelly. "Are they aware of the problem? Yes. Do they know what to do? I'm going to say yes," he predicts. The big picture, says Kelly, is positive as well - with new phones and new download and data speeds good for business. "In the business world, it means more productivity and visibility," says Kelly. ...AS UAE IS HUNGRY FOR NEW APPLE GADGET Sellers looking to push the iPhone 5 on the UAE's 'grey market' have promised to deliver the gadget to phone fanatics on September 23 - just 48 hours after the official US launch. According to adverts posted on UAE websites, an unlocked 64GB model is available for Dhs6,000 - more than twice that of the original price. Other ads offering the device ranged from Dhs4,000 to a staggering Dhs25,000. One vendor contacted by 7DAYS said a post-dated cheque would secure delivery and insisted on confirmation in writing. Another asked for confirmation only via text-message. "If interested, please SMS and don't call as I am receiving so many calls already," the seller told 7DAYS via text. A Malaysia-based seller offered to "ship and deliver directly to your doorstep." This seller confirmed the iPhone 5 as "brand new original factory unlocked (and) in sealed pack with complete accessories." The 'grey market' seller said the fancy gizmo was available in either white or black - and would work with any simcard and network. The iPhone5 will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and UK markets from September 21. US pricing on the Apple Store is $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB handset and $399 for the 64GB gadget. The expected launch date for the official iPhone 5 in the UAE is still unknown. 7Days
