Etisalat warns customers could face service interruption during 5G upgrade

Etisalat has announced it will upgrade its mobile networks over the next three months as it prepares to meet requirements for 5G networks, Internet of Things, and other cutting-edge technologies.

This will take place in stages to ensure smooth and uninterrupted services over the next three months.

The company said it would "apologise to customers in advance for any inconvenience they may face during this transition".

Network providers are gearing up for the rollout of 5G superfast mobile internet use, with the first 5G-ready smartphones expected to be released in early 2019.

5G will provide broadband-equivalent download speeds and faster on mobile phones.

Faster speeds are also needed to make driverless cars possible, and transfer vast amounts of data quickly.