UAE telcos Etisalat and du are reportedly providing free internet data via mobile phones to families who don’t have internet at home, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said.
The TRA has announced that it has coordinated with the two national service providers to offer the free services to help students access their schools’ online learning platforms.
“In coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Etisalat and du will provide mobile internet for families who have no home internet to enable distance learning,” said a statement.
In coordination between @MOEducationUAE and @TheUAETRA
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.@etisalat and @dutwe provide mobile internet for families who have no home internet to enable distance learningRead more:https://t.co/qRCmYfnJz5 pic.twitter.com/0727nCGRAY
— هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات (@TheUAETRA) March 18, 2020
The TRA thanked Etisalat and Du for this initiative, which confirms their efforts to actively contribute to implementing the leadership directives and the success of the distance learning initiative launched by the Ministry of Education.
Earlier this month, UAE schools and universities have closed as part of precautionary efforts amid the coronavirus crisis. The two-week spring break, which was initially set to begin on March 29, started two weeks early. Following the school break, distance learning will be introduced during the remaining two weeks.
Several organisations in the UAE have launched programmes to support distant learning, among which is telecom operator du. The company has pledged to enable all postpaid and prepaid customers to access their school websites and homework throughout the entire duration of the closed period without occurring any additional charges on their data.
It has also said that it will double the internet speed at no additional cost for schools and universities across the country.
