Etisalat Announces Payment Service for BlackBerry World® via Mobile Accounts

New payment method offers Etisalat mobile subscribers secure and convenient purchase experience

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Etisalat and BlackBerry® today announced an integrated carrier billing service for BlackBerry smartphone users in the UAE, a first for the UAE enabling Etisalat BlackBerry customers to purchase applications on BlackBerry World and charge it directly to their Etisalat mobile account.

The integrated carrier billing service will be available to Etisalat's prepaid and postpaid BlackBerry customers in the UAE. To make secure purchases and payments on BlackBerry, customers will be required to enter their BlackBerry ID username and password. BlackBerry ID provides customers with secure and device-independent user identification to access apps and services on BlackBerry World.

Customers can also make in-app purchases, such as additional content or levels upgrades on  games, without any interruptions to the app experience. 

Khaled El Khouly, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat said: “Etisalat is always looking to enrich its customers experience with more convenience, value and safety. This new payment option for BlackBerry users on BlackBerry world will provide them with an easy and secure access to applications, games and services on the BlackBerry handsets.”

Robert Bose, Regional Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, BlackBerry said: “There is a growing demand in the UAE for a convenient and safe payment solution for purchase of mobile content. Etisalat's integrated carrier billing for BlackBerry smartphones will open up a rich avenue for our UAE customers to enjoy our comprehensive portfolio of apps, games and services.”

For more information on Etisalat's BlackBerry subscription packages, please visit http://etisalat.ae/blackberry. For more information about BlackBerry World, please visit http://appworld.blackberry.com/

About BlackBerry A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

About EtisalatEtisalat is the largest telecommunications operator in the Middle East and North Africa region catering to consumers, businesses, international telecommunication companies, ISPs, content providers and mobile operators. Servicing over 139 million customers in 15 countries in Middle East, Asia and Africa, Etisalat has achieved more than 20% growth in subscriber base in 2012 across its land line, mobile, and Internet services.

Etisalat is now the highest overall rated telecommunications company in the GCC and the 4th highest rated telecommunications company in the world. It has been rated AA- by Standard & Poor, A+ by Fitch, and Aa3 by Moody's.

Etisalat UAE has pioneered the launch of the region's first commercial 4G service on its nation-wide LTE network. In September 2012, Etisalat UAE successfully completed the highest 4G LTE speed test in the world, reaching speeds of 300Mbps.

The corporation offers a variety of hi-tech complimentary services to the telecommunications industry including managerial and technical training, SIM card manufacturing, e-payment solutions, clearing house services, peering, voice and data transit, and submarine and land cable services.