Telecom firms should adapt to changing times

Readers call on Etisalat and du to change archaic business models. Other topics: reading, car parts, US pullout

Readers call on the telecom companies to change their business model. Philip Cheung / The National

Your editorial Telecoms must optimise user service (April 22), was spot on. There is no point in just criticising these telecom operators, because they obviously look after their own interest. But it's right to point out that they need to change their old business model to allow consumers to reap the benefits of modern technology. This will not erode their revenues. If they are worried about that, they should look at other parts of the world where telecom companies have evolved with the changing times.

The current strategy being followed by Etisalat and du – that of blocking free video and voice-calling apps – is unsustainable.

It’s in their own interest that they should switch to a more modern model. Otherwise, consumers will find a way to get around such bans.

Name withheld by request

Monopoly is never a driver for innovation ­– the result is the overpriced, substandard service we have to endure. In an open market, neither of the two options here would survive.

Wiltrud Matthes, Dubai

To stay nimble? These companies won’t be nimble unless there is competition.

Chris Reid, Dubai

Promote culture of reading

I enjoyed reading the article UAE culture of storytelling can leave students 'unprepared for higher education' (April 13). This issue can be fixed by building more public libraries that have quality books. These libraries should offer reading activities during the holiday, especially during summer.

All schools should have qualified librarians who can encourage and create programmes for students to read more in English and Arabic. Reading can be fun if you are reading the right books. Make parents aware of the Arab Reading Challenge, which was introduced last year. Put signs in schools and everywhere else around the country.

Angela Pop, Australia

Genuine parts are expensive

I refer to the article Counterfeit car parts pose danger to UAE drivers (April 22). In the rest of the world they're not called counterfeit, they're called generic car parts, and cost a fraction of original parts and most people manage with them.

It’s only here that generics seem to be such a big problem. That’s because car dealerships make millions of dirhams by selling exorbitantly priced parts. Generics don’t come with the same inflated profit margins as branded parts. That’s the issue.

Justin Webb, Abu Dhabi

Original car parts cost a fortune here. A few months ago I changed two wipers that cost me Dh25. I bought them from a roadside shop. I was advised to change them when I took my car for servicing to the dealer. They quoted the price at Dh175.

These originals come with a one-year warranty, but so do others. So why should I buy the original? Moreover, how many people can afford to buy original parts that are so outrageously priced?

Mohammed Ibrahim, Dubai

US pull-out not a sign of decline

Regarding Alan Philps's opinion article Obama visit exposes the full extent of US decline (April 22), American withdrawal from the region hardly signifies the country's decline. It rather looks like it has become wiser.

Knowing that America has burnt the house down, why encourage them to stick around and fan the flames?

Mohamad Kadry, Dubai

The lack of respect being shown to Barack Obama on his arrival in the region is very disturbing to most Americans. How about having to deal with Donald Trump? I hope it will not become a reality.

Violeta Biba Bassoff, US