The new iPad, launched this month, is not compatible with the 4G networks found in the Middle East. AFP
The new iPad, launched this month, is not compatible with the 4G networks found in the Middle East. AFP

Apple has explaining to do when 4G iPad arrives



Apple will be obliged to warn UAE consumers that its new iPad is not compatible with local 4G networks, amid concerns over "misleading" claims about the device.

One of the new iPad's key selling points is 4G mobile-internet, which runs at more than double the speed of other networks.

However, the iPad, launched this month, is not compatible with the 4G networks found in the Middle East. The device is sold on the grey market in the UAE - often at a premium to the US list price.

Upon the official launch of the iPad in the UAE, Apple will be asked to clarify the 4G issue to avoid misleading consumers, authorities said.

"We will ask Apple to highlight this in their point of sale, because that's fair for consumers to know," said Mohamed Al Ghanim, the director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). "We don't want to deceive the customer, at the end of the day," he added.

Several Middle Eastern operators have installed long-term evolution (LTE) networks, which are often marketed as 4G. The new iPad works on LTE networks running at the 700 and 2,100 megahertz frequencies, which are used by operators in the United States. But most of the Middle East's 4G networks operate at different ranges.

While it is still possible to surf the internet via Wi-Fi and 3G, users in the Middle East are not able to access the faster connections.

Mr Ghanim ruled out a ban on the device, and said he was hopeful Apple would create a version of the iPad that was compatible with Middle East 4G networks.

"There is no reason to ban the device. We are not going to ban it," he said. "The good news for UAE customers is that Apple should create a version that would work for the rest of the world … I'm hopeful that they will do it."

In Australia, the consumer affairs regulator on Tuesday accused Apple of misleading consumers, because the iPad does not work as a 4G device in that country.

Apple may offer refunds to Australian buyers of the new iPad, disappointed that the device is not compatible with local networks.

The situation is different in the UAE, because the iPad has not been officially launched here and is only available on the grey market.

Despite this, local retailers are not taking chances and are already warning consumers over the 4G issue.

Ashish Panjabi, the chief operating officer for Jacky's Electronics, said the retailer was informing customers about the 4G issue before they bought an iPad.

"If people are buying it expecting a faster network speed, it's not going to happen. We've been clear on that since day one," he said.

"We've been very clear in terms of informing customers beforehand that it says 4G, but it isn't 4G."

Julien Pascual, the chief executive of EmiratesAvenue.com, an online shopping portal based in Dubai, said the site was also warning customers about the lack of 4G compatibility.

"Getting returns is very, very expensive, given the margins we have on an iPad," Mr Pascual said. "It's important for us that clients are aware."

The problem with the new iPad may be short-lived, given that the UAE regulator plans to open up the 700 megahertz frequency used by the US version of the iPad.

"We are going to work with the operators to expedite the 700 megahertz frequency band," said Mr Ghanim.

"The TRA is in its phase to open it up for the operators to use … Then the new iPad will work," he added.

While Mr Ghanim said the 700 megahertz frequency may be opened up by next year, its use would depend on local operators launching 4G services on that band.

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Brief scores:

Toss: Nepal, chose to field

UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23

Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17

Result: UAE won by 21 runs

Series: UAE lead 1-0

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlmouneer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dr%20Noha%20Khater%20and%20Rania%20Kadry%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEgypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E120%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBootstrapped%2C%20with%20support%20from%20Insead%20and%20Egyptian%20government%2C%20seed%20round%20of%20%3Cbr%3E%243.6%20million%20led%20by%20Global%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
War and the virus
Tips for entertaining with ease

·         Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.

·         As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.

·         Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.

·         Have some background music on to help create a bit of ambience and fill any initial lulls in conversations.

·         The meal certainly doesn’t need to be ready the moment your guests step through the door, but if there’s a nibble or two that can be passed around it will ward off hunger pangs and buy you a bit more time in the kitchen.

·         You absolutely don’t have to make every element of the brunch from scratch. Take inspiration from our ideas for ready-made extras and by all means pick up a store-bought dessert.

 

Scores in brief:

Day 1

New Zealand (1st innings) 153 all out (66.3 overs) - Williamson 63, Nicholls 28, Yasir 3-54, Haris 2-11, Abbas 2-13, Hasan 2-38

Pakistan (1st innings) 59-2 (23 overs)

How to vote in the UAE

1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/

2) Take it to the US Embassy

3) Deadline is October 15

4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5