TECOM Investments, a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a deal with du, the UAE's new telecom provider, to offer WiFi services from April, in public areas within its free zone clusters - Dubai Internet City (DIC), Dubai Media City (DMC) and Knowledge Village (KV).

The deal will create a community network and broaden the range of user friendly services TECOM offers within the free zone

Abdullatif AlMulla, CEO of TECOM Investments, said: 'Since its inception, TECOM Investments has endeavoured to provide innovative services and an enhanced brand experience to its business partners. Staying connected is vital for today's business in an increasingly technology-driven world. It is imperative we provide the necessary infrastructure to our visitors, business partners and students, and help them communicate in the most convenient manner.'

Osman Sultan, CEO of du, said: 'We will provide the technology and support required to create an efficient and consistent networking system for TECOM entities. The deal will ensure that everyone benefits from du's WiFi services so that they are not restricted to their desks. This is part of our constant efforts to offer customers the best communications experience. '

Apart from the food courts in the free zone, the WiFi coverage areas include DIC Buildings 2 and 3, the lobby of Building 4, the retail areas in Buildings 6, 12, 13 and 16, the First Steps offices in Building 1, as well as the boutique villas.

The DMC coverage areas will include the retail area of Building 1, the retail and lobby areas of Building 2, and all the retail areas of Buildings 7, 8, 10, 14, in addition to the retail area of the loft offices.

The coverage areas within Knowledge Village will include the lobby of Block 2A, the retail area of Block 6, the food court of Block 7, and the retail areas of Blocks 18 and 19.

Eventually, TECOM Investments will extend wireless connectivity to all outdoor public spaces within the free zone clusters.

Other du WiFi installations

Currently, du has an exclusive agreement with Starbucks Coffee Company, the leading retailer, roaster and specialty brand of coffee in the world, to provide WiFi services in all its outlets within the free zones. A simple and hassle-free one time registration process enables du users to access the service at these outlets.

The whole of the Festival Centre at Dubai Festival City, Dubai World Trade Center, Times Square Center and the Tulip Inn at Knowledge Village are also completely covered by the du Public WiFi Service. The backhaul links for the Dubai World Trade Center and Times Square Center are provided via WiMAX technology enabling user's to experience for the first time a public WiFi service delivered over WiMAX.

WiFi is a term used for certain types of wireless local area network (WLAN), a technology intended to improve the interoperability of these networks. Common applications for WiFi include Internet and VoIP phone access and gaming.