Mobile signal conflict causing problems for Al Ain residents

Strong signals from Omani telecommunications operators are causing network problems in Al Ain.

AL AIN // Strong broadcast signals are causing mobile phones to switch to Omani operators in certain parts of Al Ain.
Residents said the network changes can occur in Mubazzarah park, Al Ain Mall, Lulu Hypermarket, Jebel Hafeet and Al Hili.
The affected areas are all close to the UAE border with Al Buraimi, in Oman.
"It's a problem because many people in Al Ain go to Mubazzarah park and, every weekend, if I go there, no one can call me," said Nermeen Sheeha, 25, from Egypt.
Ms Sheeha said that while it was not a major problem for her, it did force her to stop making calls and using mobile data so that she was not charged fees for international roaming. Telecommunications company du said its teams had tested areas in Al Ain and "discovered that broadcast signals from Omani operators [are] especially strong, particularly in the area surrounding Al Ain Mall".
"We have not received any customer complaints regarding the situation so far, although the subject has been raised with the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, along with our test readings," du said.
"The UAE TRA will raise the matter with its Omani counterpart, TRA Oman."
Du said such problems were not unusual along countries' borders.
Etisalat did not respond to a request from The National for comment.
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