At this year’s Gitex Global, the world’s largest technology event, Etisalat by E& has unveiled an industry-first, the “world’s first autonomous telecom store” powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative store, known as ‘EASE,’ is located in Dubai at Al Kifaf and promises to redefine the customer shopping experience.
AI-Powered Customer Interaction
EASE isn’t your typical telecom store. It features an interactive robot designed to answer customer queries and provide assistance. Visitors can explore a range of products, including mobile devices and accessories, as well as prepaid and postpaid plans. Making a purchase is a breeze, thanks to self-service kiosks that facilitate seamless transactions.
The Fusion of Cutting-Edge Technologies
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, the CEO of Etisalat’s telecom arm, highlighted how ‘EASE’ leverages advanced technologies to provide customers with a unique and convenient shopping experience. AI, machine learning, sensors, smart gates, digital touch points, and autonomous devices and trade-in machines work together to create a seamless shopping journey. With these features, Etisalat has proudly established itself as the world’s first telecom company to offer such an innovative customer experience.
The 5G Revolution
Beyond the “EASE” store, Mahmood emphasised Etisalat’s significant role in the 5G revolution. The UAE’s network stands as the fastest globally for 5G, covering over 98.74% of populated areas in the country. Data transfer speeds have reached remarkable levels, with speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second within the 6-gigahertz frequency range.
Pioneering 5G mmWave Deployment
Etisalat recently achieved a global industry milestone with a successful pilot deployment of mmWave over a 10-kilometre distance. This accomplishment serves as a foundation for future commercial 5G private networks. Mahmood highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasising its ability to enable uplink-heavy video and real-time data transfer over large geographical areas, transforming industries operating over vast territories.
Meeting the Demands of a Digital World
In the age of 5G, technology is expected to enhance every aspect of our lives. Etisalat has taken substantial steps to enrich its services to meet the evolving demands of consumers, partnering with Amazon to integrate the latest smart home devices. Additionally, the introduction of the GPT chatbot in GoChat has revolutionised how customers can stay connected with their loved ones, emphasising the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
A History of Technological Leadership
Since 2016, the UAE has been a global leader in the deployment of FTTH (Fibre to the Home) networks, reaching an impressive 99.85% coverage. Etisalat has also established itself as one of the world’s fastest mobile networks, showcasing the company’s longstanding commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to its customers.
In summary, Etisalat by E& has introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered autonomous telecom store, ‘EASE,’ at Gitex Global. This innovative store showcases the fusion of advanced technologies and underlines Etisalat’s leadership in the 5G revolution and its dedication to meeting the evolving demands of the digital age.
