UAE's Internet Coverage Boosts Dual Phone Usage

Full Internet Coverage in UAE: Why More Residents Have Two Phones?

The United Arab Emirates has reached a 100% internet coverage level, meaning that every resident in the country has internet access, as indicated by the latest report from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). This development coincides with the rapidly increasing trend of more people using two internet-enabled mobile phones simultaneously.

What's Behind the Dual Phone Lifestyle?

According to TDRA data, in 2024, there were 203 mobile subscriptions for every 100 residents. This means many people have at least two different mobile services, often on separate devices.

The reasons are varied:

Work-Life Separation: Some users maintain a separate device for work, making it easier to draw boundaries between work hours and personal time.

Convenience: Others choose the two-phone model for better coverage, faster data connections, or more flexible service provider changes.

Security and Availability: Some, due to their profession, cannot afford to be out of contact and use separate devices for urgent work tasks.

Costs Are Not Negligible

While internet access is available to everyone, the associated expenses are far from uniform. The average monthly mobile subscription fee in the UAE ranges from 150 to 1,200 dirhams, depending on data and voice call plans.

Those with two active subscriptions and two separate devices often pay between 500–700 dirhams a month just for connectivity. Nevertheless, many users feel the added cost is worth the convenience and mental balance.

Who Benefits from Two Phones?

Professionals and Analysts: Those working in fields like IT security cannot afford to miss an urgent alert or client call. These individuals often maintain separate data packages for work, suitable for intensive use – like video conferences and remote monitoring.

Project Managers: The multi-device solution allows them to easily switch off the work phone on weekends or during holidays and focus solely on relaxation.

Marketing and Office Workers: Managing multiple accounts on a single device is often confusing, so many choose the separated solution for practicality.

The Societal Impact: Protecting Work-Life Balance

More and more residents recognize the importance of setting boundaries at work. Under UAE labor laws, employers cannot require employees to answer calls or messages outside of working hours – unless explicitly stated in their contract or ordered as official overtime.

This regulation is particularly important in a world filled with smart devices, where work often "creeps" into personal life. The ability for employees to physically separate the work device – for example, in the form of a second phone – can provide significant mental relief.

Internet Access: Statistical Milestones

The TDRA report also reveals that:

The rate of high-speed, fixed internet subscriptions was 37 for every 100 residents in 2023, rising to 41 by 2024.

Landline phone subscriptions remain stagnant, with a ratio of 21.

The number of mobile subscriptions far exceeds the population, indicating that digitalization has almost fully integrated into everyday life.

Digital Society – Advantages and Challenges

100% internet coverage is a huge accomplishment both technologically and socially. This enables the digital transition of education, healthcare, public services, and private enterprises. However, it also introduces new forms of pressure on residents, especially those striving to maintain balance between online presence and personal space.

Therefore, the dual-phone lifestyle is not just a status symbol or technical innovation, but a conscious response to the challenges of modern life. While internet access has become universal, residents increasingly seek solutions that ensure accessibility doesn't become exploitation.

Summary

The UAE’s digital development is advancing at an impressive pace, with 100% internet coverage serving as a fitting milestone. Concurrently, new habits and demands have emerged, such as using two separate mobile devices. Residents aim to find a balance between efficient work, constant availability, and protecting personal life – even at a cost. In the future, there is expected to be growing demand for flexible, customizable digital solutions that help users ensure the internet is an opportunity, not a burden.

(The article source: Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announcement.)