{
 "@context": "https://telecomdeskuae.com",
 "updated": "2026-09-16",
 "answers": [
  {
   "question": "Switching a business line from Etisalat to du with the same landline number - what 3 months free really saves",
   "answer": "When you move a business fixed line from Etisalat to du and keep the existing landline number, there are two pricing routes: the promotional discounted price printed on the current application form, or 3 months free at standard (non-discounted) monthly price. The waiver cannot be stacked on top of the discount - it is an either/or choice on the same order. The counterintuitive part: a bundle discounted 40 percent for only 3 months can still cost MORE over a year than 3 completely free months at standard price (e.g. Starter Ultra 12m: promo totals 5,389.20 vs 4,491 with the waiver). The plan finder on this site's business page computes both totals from the live form figures for the exact plan and emirate you pick.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the landline number and account-name match on the Etisalat bill - the port request must carry identical details.",
    "Tell the account manager explicitly: migration with number retention, not a new installation - a new install defaults to promo pricing and loses the waiver question entirely.",
    "Ask for both totals written on the proposal: discounted-12-month vs waiver-12-month, and tick the cheaper one.",
    "Keep the Etisalat service live until the agreed port date so the internet does not dip during cutover.",
    "If Etisalat is still inside its minimum term, read their cancellation terms before scheduling."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/migrate-etisalat-to-du.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Does the landline number actually stay the same?",
     "a": "Yes - the 3-months-free option is tied to same-number porting; a brand-new line goes through normal promo onboarding instead."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I get the discount AND 3 months free?",
     "a": "No - one or the other on the same order form. Compare the 12-month totals; for the flat-rate Pro plan the waiver is unambiguous, for deep short promos it can go either way."
    },
    {
     "q": "Do mobile lines move with it?",
     "a": "The waiver covers the fixed service (landline + bundled internet). Mobile numbers port via MNP under each plan's own terms (the business mobile forms do not carry a 3-month waiver)."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "How to write a NOC or request letter to du - cancellation, dispute, name or email change",
   "answer": "For cancellations, billing disputes, name and email changes, VAT registration or plan moves, du works from a written request from the registered account holder. Standard format: current date top right, subject line with the account number, one clear request sentence, the affected numbers / contracts / landlines / bundles, a contact number, and a line saying the NOC is valid within 30 days of the date. Personal requests go by email from the registered personal address to Customer.Care@du.ae; business mobile from the registered company email to care.business@du.ae; business fibre or wireless to Business.Customercare@du.ae. Our free generator builds the exact letter for your case in seconds - nothing you type leaves your device.",
   "steps": [
    "Pick personal or business - the letter opens with \"I, [name]\" or \"We, [company]\" accordingly.",
    "Choose the subject; the request sentence rewrites itself for cancellation, dispute, email or name change, VAT, downgrade, upgrade, rate plan, fault or transfer.",
    "Enter your account number and every number, contract, landline or bundle the request covers.",
    "The date (top right) and the 30-day validity line are added for you.",
    "Copy the letter and send it from the registered email shown on screen - or send it here first for a free human check on WhatsApp."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/du-request-letter.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What is a du NOC or request letter?",
     "a": "One short written request from the account holder stating what should be done, which numbers or contracts it covers, and a contact number - the format accepted at du customer care for cancellation, disputes and account changes."
    },
    {
     "q": "Why are the date and a 30-day validity window important?",
     "a": "Requests are actioned against the date on the letter; a NOC counts as valid within 30 days of that date, so an old letter gets returned. The generator always stamps the date you pick (default: today)."
    },
    {
     "q": "Which email does my letter go to?",
     "a": "Personal services: from your registered email to Customer.Care@du.ae. Business mobile: care.business@du.ae. Business fibre or wireless: Business.Customercare@du.ae. The generator tells you which one, per selection."
    },
    {
     "q": "Will the letter mention foreclosure or early termination charges?",
     "a": "Only where it matters - cancellation, downgrade, upgrade, renewal or transfer lines include \"ready to pay the applicable foreclosure / early termination charges\", because that is what unlocks the request when the line is under contract. Disputes and changes do not need the line."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du home internet not working - the 5-minute check",
   "answer": "Nine times out of ten a dead du line is the optical signal, not your Wi-Fi. Look at the router: a solid or blinking red LOS/light means no signal is reaching your home, so the fix is at the ONT or the street cabinet and needs du to reschedule a technician. If the power and WAN lights are green and only Wi-Fi is dead, it is local and you can fix it yourself.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the light pattern first: power, WAN/optical, Wi-Fi. Red optical = line fault, not a settings problem.",
    "Restart once - unplug the router for 30 seconds, not 5, then wait 3 minutes for the ONT to re-register.",
    "Look for a known outage in your area before touching settings (du app > support, or the status thread for your building).",
    "If the optical cable or the small white ONT box was knocked (cleaning, moving furniture), reseat the blue-tipped fibre connector gently - never bend it.",
    "Still red after a reboot? Open the du app and raise a fault so the ticket timestamp starts now; escalate to us on WhatsApp and we will chase the job number."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/home-internet-not-working.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Why is my du internet not working but the Wi-Fi is on?",
     "a": "WAN/optical has no signal, so the router broadcasts a network that leads nowhere. Check the LOS light."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does a du router restart fix an outage?",
     "a": "Only for local hangs. A red optical light will not clear until the line or the ONT is fixed."
    },
    {
     "q": "How long does a du fault take?",
     "a": "Same-day for a cabinet issue, 24-72h if a technician visit is needed - the ticket time matters, so raise it early."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Router red light: what each colour actually means",
   "answer": "A red or orange LOS/optical light means the fibre signal is not arriving; a red WAN light means the signal arrives but authentication to du failed; a red internet light with a green WAN usually means an IP/DNS problem on your side. Fixing the wrong one wastes a day, so identify the light first.",
   "steps": [
    "Read the label next to the light: LOS, PON/Optical, WAN, Internet, Wi-Fi. PON solid green = line fine.",
    "LOS red: check the thin fibre lead for a kink or a pulled connector, then reboot once. Do not open the ONT.",
    "WAN red: your account may be suspended or the PPPoE credentials dropped - check for an unpaid bill or a recent plan change, then reboot.",
    "Internet red with green WAN: forget the network on one device and reconnect; if every device fails, clone the DNS to 1.0.0.1 / 8.8.8.8 in the router LAN settings.",
    "Send us a photo of the lights on WhatsApp and we will tell you which queue the ticket belongs in - fault, billing, or settings."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/router-red-light.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Should I factory reset a du router with a red light?",
     "a": "No. A reset wipes the PPPoE and Wi-Fi config and turns a 20-minute job into a reconfiguration visit."
    },
    {
     "q": "Who owns the du router?",
     "a": "Rented units stay du property and must be returned on cancellation; bought units keep their warranty with the retailer."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can du see that my router is red?",
     "a": "Yes - their platform logs optical loss, which is why the ticket timestamp matters."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du internet slow: prove it before you change anything",
   "answer": "Speed complaints split into two very different problems: the line is genuinely slow (then du owes you a fix) or only Wi-Fi in one room is slow (then a router or mesh change fixes it, and du will not). Measure over Ethernet with a wired speed test at 8pm, when the node is busy, and you have the evidence for whichever conversation you need.",
   "steps": [
    "Test with a cable into the router, or stand next to it, at 20:00-23:00 - peak load is when promises break.",
    "Compare the number with the tier you pay for; 60-70% of a 500 Mbps fibre plan is normal over Wi-Fi, less than 20% is not.",
    "Check the device list - one phone updating or a laptop backing up can eat the whole pipe.",
    "Turn off \"smart connect\"/band steering if a gaming console or meeting laptop keeps landing on 2.4 GHz.",
    "If the wired test fails, run a speed test on the du app so the result lands in their system, then open the ticket with that reference."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/internet-slow.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is du 5G home internet slower than fibre?",
     "a": "Yes at peak: wireless shares a cell, so plan for variable latency. Fibre is the choice for gaming and work calls."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does du throttle after a data limit?",
     "a": "Home fibre plans are unmetered; \"fair use\" language applies to wireless tiers - check your contract wording."
    },
    {
     "q": "Why is upload slow?",
     "a": "Most consumer GPON tiers are asymmetric; symmetric upload is a business product."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Wi-Fi not working while the internet is fine",
   "answer": "If the router shows a green internet light but your phone will not join, the fault is local: band steering, a full DHCP lease table, a crowded channel or a device stuck on a saved password from before a change. All of these are fixable in ten minutes without a ticket.",
   "steps": [
    "Forget the network on the affected device, then re-enter the password on the sticker (case-sensitive, no trailing space).",
    "Reboot the router - the DHCP pool is the usual culprit when a device says \"obtaining IP address\" forever.",
    "Move the router out of the cabinet/metal box; vertical position, one metre up, away from the TV.",
    "If only 5 GHz fails, lock the SSIDs apart in the router settings so older laptops can use 2.4 GHz.",
    "Change the channel (1/6/11 on 2.4, DFS-free on 5) if neighbours are on the same one."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/wifi-not-working.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Why does my du Wi-Fi show connected but no internet?",
     "a": "Usually a DHCP or DNS failure on the LAN side; reboot and forget/rejoin fix most cases."
    },
    {
     "q": "Do du routers support Wi-Fi 6?",
     "a": "Rented units vary by model; newer issues do. Ask us to check your model number against the current stock."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is a repeater better than mesh?",
     "a": "For 2+ dead rooms, mesh. A single-repeater half-measure usually creates a second slow network."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Internet keeps disconnecting every few minutes",
   "answer": "Regular drops have three common causes: a marginal fibre/optical link, a router overheating in a cabinet, or a device roaming between two access points. The pattern tells you which - a drop every 5 minutes looks like line flapping, while a drop when you walk upstairs is roaming.",
   "steps": [
    "Note the time between drops; if it is consistent, it is almost always line-level, not your laptop.",
    "Touch the router: hot units throttle and drop. Add airflow or move it out of the cupboard.",
    "Check for an old firmware banner in the router admin page (192.168.1.1 for most du units).",
    "If you have two SSIDs from one router or an extender, name them apart and pin the important device to the router itself.",
    "Ask for an optical power reading on the fault ticket - dBm out of range means a splice or patch problem, not a settings problem."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/disconnecting.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Why does my internet drop only at night?",
     "a": "Cell/ node congestion or heat; if it is nightly and only on Wi-Fi, move the router and retest wired."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does du replace a faulty router?",
     "a": "Yes for rented units under du property - request a swap on a fault ticket; we can push the request."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can a bad cable cause drops?",
     "a": "A bent fibre lead or a cheap Ethernet patch cable absolutely can; try a known-good CAT5e."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "How to run a speed test that du will accept",
   "answer": "One number from a random website will not move a fault ticket. A result taken over Ethernet, on the du network, logged through the du app or Speedtest with the test ID saved, is evidence an agent has to answer.",
   "steps": [
    "Connect one device with an Ethernet cable directly to the router.",
    "Turn off VPN and any other heavy device on the network.",
    "Run the du app speed test (or a test that stores a result ID) three times: morning, 8pm, midnight.",
    "Screenshot the result IDs plus your account number before you open the ticket.",
    "If the wired figure is under half your tier at midnight, that is a line fault - request a technician visit with those IDs."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/speed-test.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What is a good speed on du 5G home internet?",
     "a": "Expect variable 100-500 Mbps with latency 15-40 ms; the exact number depends on your building and cell load."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is the du app speed test the official one?",
     "a": "It logs against your line, which is what makes it usable in a ticket - third-party results are weaker evidence."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du APN settings that actually matter",
   "answer": "Almost every APN problem is a wrong or missing access point name on a phone or a 5G router after a SIM swap. For du the national APN is usually left at its default; adding a manual APN is mainly needed when a device was configured for another carrier.",
   "steps": [
    "Android: Settings > Network > Access Point Names > reset to default before typing anything.",
    "iPhone: it normally configures itself - if not, reset via Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.",
    "du 5G router: log in to 192.168.1.1, WAN > APN, leave blank/default unless the SIM was moved from another operator.",
    "Reboot after changing; an APN edit only applies at the next attach.",
    "If data works but MMS or hotspot fails, that is a second APN entry (mms/hiprio), not the main one."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/apn-settings.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What is the du APN?",
     "a": "Leave the default - du provisions it on the SIM. Manual entry is only needed on imported devices."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does APN affect speed?",
     "a": "Not your line speed; a wrong APN can block data entirely or force a slower bear"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Change the du Wi-Fi password and network name",
   "answer": "You do not need the du app for this, though the app is the safest route if you are not comfortable in the router admin page. Change the WPA2/WPA3 key, keep the admin password different from the Wi-Fi password, and remember every device has to rejoin afterwards.",
   "steps": [
    "Open the router admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or the address on the sticker) and log in.",
    "WLAN/Wi-Fi settings: set SSID, then the pre-shared key - WPA2-PSK (AES) minimum, WPA3 if all devices support it.",
    "Change the router login password too; the printed default is public knowledge.",
    "Save and reboot; reconnect phones and IoT items with the new key.",
    "For smart-home gadgets that only speak 2.4 GHz, keep a separate 2.4 SSID so they survive future changes."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/reset-password.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "How do I reset my du router password?",
     "a": "Admin password: reset in the router UI or, as a last resort, the physical reset button - that wipes your config."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does changing Wi-Fi password disconnect everything?",
     "a": "Yes - every device must rejoin. Do it when someone can help the TV/Console rejoin."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Du router admin page: 192.168.1.1 basics",
   "answer": "The admin page is where port forwarding, DNS, band steering, guest Wi-Fi and firmware live. The defaults printed on the router are only a starting point, and on newer du units some advanced options are hidden until you enable advanced mode.",
   "steps": [
    "Connect to the router (Wi-Fi or cable) and open http://192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.",
    "Log in with the sticker credentials, then change them immediately.",
    "Advanced/Tools tabs hold DNS, DHCP range, NAT/port forward, and firmware update.",
    "Write down what you change - du support will ask, and reverting is easier than explaining.",
    "If the page will not load at all, another device may have taken the router IP; reboot and retry on one device only."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/router-login.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What is the du router default password?",
     "a": "It is printed on the device label; treat it as public and change it."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I use my own router on du fibre?",
     "a": "You can put your own router behind the ONT in most areas, but du support for the WAN side stops at their equipment - bridge-mode changes can complicate fault tickets."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Fix dead rooms: mesh, extender, or ethernet",
   "answer": "One flat in Dubai often has a structural wall the 5 GHz signal simply will not cross, so the honest options are: add a node, run a cable, or move the router. Extenders halve throughput on the backhaul, mesh with a wired backhaul does not.",
   "steps": [
    "Map where it actually fails - walk with a phone and note the RSSI in dBm; below -70 is the trouble line.",
    "Best: one Ethernet run between rooms with a wired access point. Second best: a tri-band mesh with wired backhaul.",
    "Avoid cheap repeaters for working video calls; they are fine for browsing only.",
    "Keep one SSID for phones and a separate 2.4 GHz SSID for gadgets that cannot roam.",
    "du sells mesh add-ons with Home plans on some tiers - worth comparing before buying retail."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/mesh-dead-zones.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is Wi-Fi 6 worth it for a small flat?",
     "a": "Only if your devices are Wi-Fi 6 too; otherwise placement matters far more than the standard."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does a du 5G router need line of sight to the tower?",
     "a": "Not literally, but a window-facing placement can double your throughput."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Port forwarding, DMZ and NAT on a du line",
   "answer": "Consumer du lines get a private/carrier-grade IP in many areas, which means an incoming port forward does nothing until you have a public IP - the first thing to check before spending an hour on the router UI.",
   "steps": [
    "Compare the router WAN IP with what \"what is my IP\" shows. Different = CGNAT, and a forward will never work.",
    "For cameras/NVRs behind CGNAT, use the vendor cloud, a reverse tunnel, or buy a public IP/business tier.",
    "If you do have a public IP: add the service port + LAN IP under NAT/Virtual Server, keep the range tight.",
    "Never DMZ a smart TV or IoT gadget to the internet; DMZ is a debugging tool, not a config.",
    "Business DIA includes public IP blocks - the correct answer for anything that must be reachable."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/port-forwarding.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Can I host a server on du home internet?",
     "a": "Not reliably - CGNAT plus dynamic IP. Use a business product or a hosted service."
    },
    {
     "q": "How do I get a static IP?",
     "a": "On home lines it is an add-on in some packages; on business DIA it is included."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Bill higher than expected: the four usual causes",
   "answer": "A du bill jumps for four reasons almost always: a promo period ended, an add-on or third-party subscription was activated, the proration month covered more than 30 days, or a device instalment finished its promo. All four are visible in the bill breakdown, and three of four are refundable if you act quickly.",
   "steps": [
    "Open the bill PDF and read the \"other charges\"/\"value added services\" block, not just the total.",
    "Check whether the discounted period ended (promo lines show an expiry date).",
    "Look for third-party content/VAS lines - these are removable and often refundable for the first cycle.",
    "Compare the billing period start/end dates; a first or a change month can be 40+ days.",
    "Raise the dispute in writing (app or email) so there is a reference, and keep the meter reading/receipt if it is a device plan."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/bill-too-high.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Can du reverse a third-party charge?",
     "a": "Yes for subscriptions you did not authorise, if you raise it promptly - we can draft the dispute text for you."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is VAT added on top?",
     "a": "Yes, 5% on the billed amount; advertised prices  usually exclude VAT."
    },
    {
     "q": "Why is my bill higher after renewal?",
     "a": "The promotional rate expired; renewal restores full price unless you re-negotiate or move tier."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Escalating a du complaint: the correct order",
   "answer": "The regulator only helps after the operator has had its chance, so sequence matters: complaint to du with a reference number, then the escalation window, then the complaint to the regulator with that reference attached. Doing it in order gets a faster answer than skipping straight to escalation.",
   "steps": [
    "File with du first (app, 155, or email) and record the reference number.",
    "State the remedy you want and the deadline - refund, credit, or fix - vague complaints get vague replies.",
    "If unresolved, submit to the regulator with the operator reference and your evidence attached.",
    "Keep the line paid while disputing, or the ticket becomes a disconnection case instead.",
    "Send us the reference on WhatsApp and we will help you assemble the evidence pack in the format that gets picked up."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/complaint-tdra.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Does filing a regulator complaint cost anything?",
     "a": "No, it is free for consumers."
    },
    {
     "q": "How long does du have to answer?",
     "a": "The operator must acknowledge, give a reference and investigate within a reasonable period; escalation is the next step after that."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Cancelling du home internet or a mobile line",
   "answer": "Cancellation is a form plus a settlement, and the money question is the early termination fee: with 24 months left, the monthly charge for each remaining month can apply, and rented equipment must be returned. Doing it in one visit avoids paying an extra cycle.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the contract end date in the app - cancelling after month 24 avoids the penalty entirely.",
    "Request the cancellation form (or use the app path) and get the reference number for the request.",
    "Return or arrange collection of rented router/TV boxes; keep the receipt.",
    "Pay the final settlement, which may include one month in advance plus device charges.",
    "If you are switching to another operator for the same service, do not disconnect before the new line is live - book the port/install first."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/cancel-line.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is there a du cancellation fee?",
     "a": "Yes if you are inside the commitment - commonly AED 200 per remaining month on device/plan contracts, with separate rules for business tiers."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I cancel by email?",
     "a": "Requests by email/app are accepted, but the cancellation department path is faster by phone from the registered number."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Porting a number to or from du (MNP)",
   "answer": "Porting is recipient-led: the operator you are moving to owns the request, so you file with them, not with the one you are leaving. Inside the UAE the number usually moves within a day, and the losing operator cannot block it - but an unpaid bill or an active commitment can.",
   "steps": [
    "Make sure the number is active, Emirates ID valid, and no outstanding dues on the current line.",
    "Get a new SIM/eSIM from the operator you are joining and submit the port request there.",
    "Do not cancel the old line yourself first - that kills the port.",
    "Expect a short outage window during the swap; keep both phones charged and the account number to hand.",
    "For fixed lines and home internet, porting is not the same process - book the new install before you disconnect."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/port-number.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "How long does porting take in the UAE?",
     "a": "Roughly one working day for mobile under MNP."
    },
    {
     "q": "Do I pay to port a number?",
     "a": "No - the port itself is free; the new operator may charge for the SIM/tier."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Moving home with du: relocation, not cancellation",
   "answer": "Relocation keeps your account, contract and number, and it is a different workflow from a new order - which matters because a relocation usually avoids a new activation fee and a new 24-month clock.",
   "steps": [
    "Check fibre availability at the new address before you book (we can run this for you in a minute).",
    "Raise a relocation request in the app or via 155 with both account addresses.",
    "Book a date; a technician installs at the new place and collects the old kit.",
    "Ask for the gap policy - if the new site is ready, the cut can be same-week.",
    "Update Emirates ID/address details afterwards so billing and the contract stay clean."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/relocation.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Do I pay twice during a move?",
     "a": "No - relocation keeps one account; you only pay for the migration visit and any new installation difference."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can du install the same day?",
     "a": "Occasionally for wireless (self-install 5G); fibre needs a technician slot."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Getting a new du line installed",
   "answer": "Fibre needs an engineer and an OLT port at your building; 5G home wireless needs neither. Knowing which you are getting sets the expectation - a wireless plan is usable the evening it arrives, fibre is a scheduled visit.",
   "steps": [
    "Confirm the address is serviced (we can check; the out-zone list matters for offers).",
    "Choose fibre if the building is wired - self-install 5G if it is not, or you are renting short-term.",
    "Book the visit with someone present and building access sorted; NOC delays are usually about access, not labour.",
    "Test every room on day one and log the numbers before you sign off - that becomes your baseline.",
    "Ask what is included: router model, TV box, installation fee, activation charge."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/installation.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "How fast can du install fibre?",
     "a": "Days, if the building is passed; weeks if a new drop is needed. Wireless can be same-day."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is installation free?",
     "a": "Promotions often waive it; otherwise an activation/installation charge applies ."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "eSIM on du: setup in five minutes",
   "answer": "An eSIM removes the plastic, which matters for a visitor landing at DXB or a second line for work. The line provisions from an QR or the app, and it keeps your number if you convert a physical SIM.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the handset supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked.",
    "In the du app, choose line > switch to eSIM (or buy an eSIM plan for a visitor).",
    "Scan the QR in Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM; label the line (Work/Home).",
    "Keep the old line active for the first hour in case activation needs a retry, then delete the old profile.",
    "For travel, add the roaming or destination data pack before you fly, not at the gate."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/esim.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Can I have two numbers on one iPhone?",
     "a": "Yes - dual SIM with one eSIM active and the physical or second eSIM line."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does eSIM cost extra?",
     "a": "No separate charge on the du app for conversion; the plan price is what changes."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Checking du prepaid balance and data",
   "answer": "Balance and data are two different numbers, and running out of one does not stop the other - which is why \"my internet stopped but I have credit\" is so common. The USSD menu, the app, and an SMS all report the same counters.",
   "steps": [
    "Dial the balance code from the du line for credit, or use the app for data remaining.",
    "For data-only bundles, the app shows the valid-until date, which is where most confusion sits.",
    "Emergency credit and top-up behave differently by plan - check before relying on it.",
    "Set an auto-renew or a low-balance alert so a hotspot does not die mid-download.",
    "If the number looks wrong, refresh by restarting the phone - the balance cache is on the device."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/prepaid-balance.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "How do I check du data balance?",
     "a": "The app is most reliable; USSD and SMS report the same counter for most plans."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does du prepaid data roll over?",
     "a": "Depends on the bundle; the app shows what is carried forward."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du roaming: what to buy and when",
   "answer": "Roaming charges are per-destination and per-day in most packs, and the trap is data used before the pack starts or in a country outside the pack zone. Buy the pack for the exact destination and keep the phone off mobile data until it is active.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the destination zone on the du roaming page - not the country name in the phone.",
    "Buy the daily/weekly pack before you fly; activation while roaming is where bills go wrong.",
    "Turn off data roaming for apps that sync, keep Wi-Fi calling on where permitted.",
    "For calls back to the UAE, a world calling pack is cheaper than per-minute roaming.",
    "Keep the pack confirmation - disputed roaming is resolved by reference."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/roaming.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is roaming included in du postpaid plans?",
     "a": "Some tiers include minutes/data in select zones; most do not - check your tier."
    },
    {
     "q": "What happens if I exceed the roaming pack?",
     "a": "Per-unit out-of-bundle rates apply - the reason to enable a data cap before travel."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Business internet vs home internet: what you actually pay for",
   "answer": "A business line buys an SLA, public IP space, symmetric upload and a support queue with a response time - none of which exist on consumer fibre. For an office with video calls, cashless payments or CCTV, that difference is the product.",
   "steps": [
    "Size the upload, not the download: cloud backups, POS traffic and video calls live there.",
    "Ask for dedicated internet access (DIA) when you need a committed rate and a contracted repair time.",
    "Request a static IP block and confirm whether router/CPE is rented or purchased.",
    "Multi-site? Compare a managed WAN/leased-line link against over-the-top VPN before you buy bandwidth twice.",
    "Send us the user count and applications and we will price home-business versus DIA side by side."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/business-internet.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Can I use a du home plan for my shop?",
     "a": "You can, but there is no SLA and no static IP, which is why payment terminals and CCTV on home lines fail audits."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is business internet tax-invoiceable?",
     "a": "Yes - business accounts get a proper tax invoice; consumer bills are not the same document."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du or Etisalat (e&): how to decide for your address",
   "answer": "Both run excellent urban networks, so the honest answer is address-level, not brand-level: whichever has the better riser, cell and bundle price at your building wins. Etisalat tends to win on rural reach and bundle depth, du on entry price for equivalent mobile data and city 5G value; the only reliable test is a speed and coverage check at your unit before you sign a 24-month term.",
   "steps": [
    "Ask the same three questions of both: is fibre already passed to your building, what is the post-promo monthly rate, and what is the early termination fee.",
    "Test at 20:00-23:00 - peak-hour behaviour is what makes a household happy or angry.",
    "Check whether the router and TV box are included or rented, since rented kit must be returned at exit.",
    "If you are happy with the line but not the price, ask for the retention offer at renewal before porting.",
    "We can pull both quotes for your exact address on WhatsApp, so the decision uses your numbers, not a review site."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/compare-du-etisalat.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is du cheaper than Etisalat?",
     "a": "Usually on equivalent mobile data tiers in the city; on bundled home + TV the gap narrows and can reverse."
    },
    {
     "q": "Which has better coverage outside Dubai?",
     "a": "Etisalat (e&) is generally regarded as stronger in rural and remote areas."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I switch without losing my number?",
     "a": "Yes - mobile number portability keeps the number and takes about a working day."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "What a du connection actually costs per month",
   "answer": "the operator publishes entry prices, not final ones: at check time the 5G home wireless tiers start at AED 159-206 a month, entry fibre is listed from AED 389 (a AED 409 variant appears on the same page), and mobile power plans start near AED 125. Every one of those excludes 5% VAT, and the promotional rate usually steps up after 3-6 months, so the number that matters is the standard rate plus activation, installation and any device instalment.",
   "steps": [
    "Ask for the post-promo monthly price, not the intro price - the contract is what you pay for 24 months.",
    "Confirm whether the AED figure excludes the 5% VAT and the one-off activation/installation fees.",
    "Check if the router is included, rented or purchased; a \"free router\" is usually a rented unit you return on exit.",
    "For fibre, confirm the building riser is live before paying an install-related charge.",
    "Send us the address and the tier and we will pull the current published quote for that exact combination."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/plan-pricing.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is du home internet really AED 159 a month?",
     "a": "That is the promotional entry figure the operator shows for a 5G home wireless tier; the standard rate after the promo period is higher and VAT is added."
    },
    {
     "q": "What is the cheapest usable du fibre price?",
     "a": "Entry fibre appears from AED 389 per month on a 24-month term at check time - always confirm for your building."
    },
    {
     "q": "Do du prices include VAT?",
     "a": "No - advertised prices exclude 5% VAT unless the page says otherwise."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Is du down right now?",
   "answer": "Before you troubleshoot, confirm the outage - a network fault in your area means your reboot and your settings do not matter, and the ticket you file will be merged into the incident anyway.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the du app status/support screen for a logged incident against your line.",
    "One neighbour plus one device failing = likely area issue; one device failing = local issue.",
    "Look for the same symptom in your building group chat or the public outage threads.",
    "Note the start time; credits are calculated from when the fault began, not when you called.",
    "Send us the area and the router lights and we will tell you whether it is already a known incident."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/outage-check.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Does du credit you for an outage?",
     "a": "Postpaid/home contracts can carry service credits when an outage crosses the threshold - claim it with the incident time."
    },
    {
     "q": "Who reports outages fastest?",
     "a": "Public outage trackers and building WhatsApp groups beat the call centre queue - use them as a hint, then log the ticket."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Line suspended for non-payment: the fastest route back",
   "answer": "A suspended du line is a billing event, not a fault. Payment plus a refresh of the account state is usually all it takes; a \"cease\" stage after the grace period needs an agent to reverse the disconnection before payment will work.",
   "steps": [
    "Pay the outstanding amount through the app, and keep the transaction reference.",
    "Wait for the SMS confirmation; if the line is still barred after 30-60 minutes, contact support to refresh the state.",
    "If it has moved from \"suspended\" to \"ceased\", data may already be scheduled for removal - act the same day.",
    "Set up auto-pay or a balance alert so this does not repeat; a second suspension is harder to reverse.",
    "Disputing the charge? Pay first, then dispute - a disputed bill still suspends."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/suspended-line.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Can du disconnect without notice?",
     "a": "There is a notification cycle; check your SMS/email history, and check that your contact numbers are current."
    },
    {
     "q": "Does paying instantly restore service?",
     "a": "Usually within the hour; a ceased line needs an agent action."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Setting up a new du router the right way",
   "answer": "Ten minutes of setup saves a year of \"the Wi-Fi is bad\". Placement, one SSID per band where needed, updated admin password, and a firmware check - in that order.",
   "steps": [
    "Site the router high, central, and out of cabinets; fibre enters wherever the ONT is, so plan the cable run.",
    "Power up, let the ONT register (green PON), then confirm an internet light before connecting devices.",
    "Log into the admin page, change the Wi-Fi key and the login, and set a device name you recognise.",
    "Update firmware if prompted, then reboot and re-test speed wired versus wireless.",
    "Add smart-home gadgets to 2.4 GHz only, so a future 5 GHz change does not black out your lights."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/router-setup.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Do I need to configure the ONT?",
     "a": "No - it bridges to the router; only the router needs WAN/PPPoE which du provisions automatically."
    },
    {
     "q": "Where do I put a 5G router for best speed?",
     "a": "By a window on the side of the nearest cell, high, with no metal cladding in front."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Guest Wi-Fi, IoT VLANs and smart-home safety",
   "answer": "A flat full of plugs, cameras and speakers on the same LAN as your laptop is a soft target. Guest isolation and a separate IoT SSID cost nothing and remove most of the realistic risk.",
   "steps": [
    "Enable guest network with client isolation for visitors; keep the main SSID hidden from them.",
    "Put cameras/plugs on the 2.4 GHz IoT SSID and disable their cloud P2P if you do not use it.",
    "Change default camera passwords and update firmware; these are the usual entry point.",
    "For home offices, separate the work laptop onto its own SSID or VLAN.",
    "Turn off WPS on the router - it is a shortcut attackers use."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/guest-and-iot.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is du router security enough?",
     "a": "Defaults are minimal; isolation, updated firmware and a strong admin password are your job."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Contract ending: your three options",
   "answer": "At month 24 you hold the leverage. Renewing on the same terms, moving tier, or porting away - all three are cheaper than drifting, because post-contract pricing usually reverts to the standard rate.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the exact end date in the app; the renewal window opens before the cliff.",
    "Compare your real usage for 3 months (data, peak speed, devices) before choosing a tier.",
    "Ask what retention offer exists at renewal; do not accept the first standard price.",
    "If moving out of the UAE or switching for coverage, port-out rather than let it lapse.",
    "Send us the current bill and we will price the same tier against what is on offer now."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/contract-end.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What happens if I do nothing at contract end?",
     "a": "The line continues at standard rates; you keep renting equipment and the early-termination logic no longer applies."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I downgrade for free at renewal?",
     "a": "Usually yes - it is the moment to do it."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Cheapest usable internet in Dubai - honestly",
   "answer": "The cheapest plan that behaves is better than the cheapest number. Entry 5G home wireless is the low-cost king for one or two people in a small flat; entry fibre is the right answer the moment a household has more than a phone or two.",
   "steps": [
    "Count devices and streams, not people - two remote workers need fibre, not a cheap wireless tier.",
    "Check whether the low price is promotional; the standard rate after the promo is the real price.",
    "Renters and short leases: wireless avoids an installation visit and a 24-month anchor.",
    "Out-of-service zones change the offer set - we can check your building before you commit.",
    "Bundle TV/landline only if you will use them; a la carte is usually cheaper after promo expiry."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/cheapest-internet.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Is du cheaper than etisalat?",
     "a": "On equivalent mobile tiers du tends to price lower; Etisalat wins on some rural coverage and bundle depth. Test at your address, not on a poster."
    },
    {
     "q": "What is the cheapest home internet in the UAE?",
     "a": "Entry 5G home wireless tiers are the lowest monthly cost, with installation-free setup."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "du TV freezing, black screen or app failures",
   "answer": "TV faults are usually one of three things: the box has no multicast rights on the router, the HDMI/EDID handshake failed, or the app licence is stale. All are local-checkable before a ticket.",
   "steps": [
    "Restart the box, router and TV together - the IGMP/multicast join is re-requested at boot.",
    "Enable IGMP snooping/multicast in the router LAN settings if channels freeze but on-demand works.",
    "Swap the HDMI cable or port if the picture drops to black when a 4K channel starts.",
    "For the du app on phones/TVs: sign out, clear cache, sign back in - licence tokens expire.",
    "Record which channels fail and at what time before raising the ticket."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/tv-not-working.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Why does du TV buffer only on some channels?",
     "a": "Multicast join failure on the LAN side, not a bandwidth problem - reboot the box first."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I watch du TV outside the house?",
     "a": "On the app within the UAE, subject to the package - View Anywhere style access."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Data exhausted: what happens next and how to stop the shock",
   "answer": "Once the plan quota is gone, behaviour differs by line type: throttled speed, blocked data, or out-of-bundle charges. Knowing which your plan does is the difference between a slow evening and a surprise bill.",
   "steps": [
    "Check the exact behaviour in your plan terms - \"unlimited\" tiers often throttle after a fair-use point.",
    "Add a data add-on rather than letting the line fall to out-of-bundle rates.",
    "Enable per-app data limits for social/video on phones that share hotspot.",
    "On tablets/laptops, background updates over hotspot are the usual silent drain.",
    "Set a usage alert at 70% so the add-on decision comes before the cap."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/data-limit.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Does du charge after data runs out?",
     "a": "Some tiers throttle, others bill per MB - your tier decides; check before hotspot use."
    },
    {
     "q": "Is Wi-Fi calling free?",
     "a": "It uses your broadband, so no airtime cost - useful when the mobile quota is empty."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Will this address get fibre or only 5G home wireless?",
   "answer": "Availability is per building, not per area: the same street can have a passed fibre riser in one tower and none next door. Check the unit number, not the neighbourhood.",
   "steps": [
    "Send the building name plus unit number - area-level answers are useless.",
    "If fibre is not passed, 5G home wireless is the fallback with no civil works.",
    "In out-of-service or fringe zones, offer sets differ; some promotions only apply inside the published offer-area list.",
    "New builds: ask the developer/NOC whether the riser is commissioned before you book a slot.",
    "We run this check free on WhatsApp - typically a couple of minutes."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/coverage-check.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "What are du out-zones?",
     "a": "Areas outside the standard home-offer footprint; the published offer-area list and any special discount attached to it come straight from verified resources."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I get a refund if coverage is bad?",
     "a": "Coverage disappointment is not a cancellation ground inside the term - test first, that is why we check the address."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Getting a faulty du router replaced",
   "answer": "Rented du equipment is du property, so a genuinely faulty unit is their problem - but you need the fault logged against the line, not a vague complaint, before a swap gets approved.",
   "steps": [
    "Log the fault with times, the light pattern, and a wired speed test result.",
    "Ask for a technician diagnosis rather than a phone reboot, if drops continue - they can flag the CPE.",
    "If the unit is old (Wi-Fi 4/5) and your tier supports more, ask about an upgrade path with the new standard.",
    "Keep the power adapter and cables; a swap without them stalls.",
    "For bought routers, the warranty path is the retailer, not du - different paperwork."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/router-replacement.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "Do I own a du-rented router?",
     "a": "No; it is returned on cancellation or replacement, and unreturned equipment becomes a charge."
    },
    {
     "q": "How long does a swap take?",
     "a": "Usually a scheduled visit within a few days if the fault is confirmed."
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "question": "Activating a new du SIM or line",
   "answer": "Activation is an identity step, not a technical one: the SIM is live once the Emirates ID/passport check clears, and most \"SIM not working\" tickets are an unregistered line or a locked device.",
   "steps": [
    "Register with Emirates ID (residents) or passport (visitors) at a store, kiosk or through the app.",
    "Insert the SIM, restart the phone, wait for the network SMS - that is the activation signal.",
    "For a postpaid number transfer, complete the port request with the losing operator details.",
    "If the phone shows \"no service\", test the SIM in another handset to separate device from line.",
    "Visitors: a tourist line has a fixed life; extend or convert before it expires."
   ],
   "url": "https://telecomdeskuae.com/guides/sim-activation.html",
   "faq": [
    {
     "q": "How long does du SIM activation take?",
     "a": "Minutes when the ID check passes; longer if the identity record needs manual review."
    },
    {
     "q": "Can I activate without visiting a store?",
     "a": "eSIM and app-based activation exist for eligible customers."
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "plans": [
  {
   "id": "home-wireless-plus",
   "family": "Home Wireless (5G, no install)",
   "name": "du Home Wireless Plus",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": 159,
   "speed": "5G up to 500 Mbps",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "Unlimited national data",
   "notes": "Entry 5G home wireless; the operator shows \"Wireless Plans Unlimited entertainment from AED 159\"."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-wireless-ent",
   "family": "Home Wireless (5G, no install)",
   "name": "du Home Wireless Entertainment",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": 206,
   "speed": "5G, streaming-tier router",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "Unlimited + entertainment apps",
   "notes": "verified resources broadband page: \"Home Wireless Plans from AED 206/Month\"."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-wireless-gaming",
   "family": "Home Wireless (5G, no install)",
   "name": "du Home Wireless Gaming",
   "audience": "gamer",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "5G gaming router, lower ping",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "Unlimited + game passes add-ons",
   "notes": "Tier exists ; price is rendered client-side - get the live quote on WhatsApp."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-fibre-starter",
   "family": "Fibre - du Home Internet & TV",
   "name": "du Home Starter (Fibre)",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": 389,
   "speed": "250-500 Mbps",
   "contract": "24 months",
   "data": "Unlimited fibre",
   "notes": "verified resources: \"Home Starter Plan for AED 389\"; a 409 AED monthly-charges variant also appears."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-fibre-advanced",
   "family": "Fibre - du Home Internet & TV",
   "name": "du Home Advanced (Fibre)",
   "audience": "family",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "up to 1 Gbps",
   "contract": "24 months",
   "data": "Unlimited fibre + TV tier",
   "notes": "Price rendered client-side; exact quote via verified resources or WhatsApp."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-fibre-ultimate",
   "family": "Fibre - du Home Internet & TV",
   "name": "du Home Ultimate (Fibre)",
   "audience": "heavy",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "up to 2.5-10 Gbps tiers listed",
   "contract": "24 months",
   "data": "Unlimited + premium TV + mesh",
   "notes": "verified resources lists speeds up to 10 Gbps on the fibre page; price client-side."
  },
  {
   "id": "home-tv",
   "family": "du TV",
   "name": "du TV / TV packages",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "-",
   "contract": "12-24 months",
   "data": "Sports, OSN, streaming add-ons",
   "notes": "Bundled with Home plans; channels list ."
  },
  {
   "id": "mobile-power",
   "family": "Mobile postpaid",
   "name": "du Power Plans (postpaid)",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": 125,
   "speed": "5G data incl.",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "Data + flexi minutes + Wi-Fi UAE",
   "notes": "Tier ladder starts near AED 125; live tiers rendered client-side ."
  },
  {
   "id": "mobile-prepaid",
   "family": "Mobile prepaid",
   "name": "du prepaid (135 / Easy)",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "data bundles via *135# / app",
   "contract": "none",
   "data": "Pay-as-you-go + daily/monthly bundles",
   "notes": "Bundle matrix  prepaid page (client-side)."
  },
  {
   "id": "data-sim",
   "family": "Data / tablet SIM",
   "name": "du Data SIM & Multi-SIM",
   "audience": "consumer",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "4G/5G data only",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "Data-only packs",
   "notes": "Add-ons page lists packs."
  },
  {
   "id": "roaming",
   "family": "Roaming",
   "name": "du Roaming / Travel packs",
   "audience": "traveller",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "daily data + minute packs by zone",
   "contract": "none",
   "data": "Zones incl. GCC, Europe, Asia, Americas",
   "notes": "Per-destination pricing is client-side; WhatsApp for today's rate."
  },
  {
   "id": "tourist-esim",
   "family": "Visitor lines",
   "name": "du Tourist SIM / eSIM",
   "audience": "visitor",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "short-term data + calls",
   "contract": "none",
   "data": "7/10/15/30-day style packs",
   "notes": "Visitor line page ."
  },
  {
   "id": "biz-internet",
   "family": "Business",
   "name": "du Business Internet / Dedicated Internet Access",
   "audience": "business",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "shared or DIA, SLA-backed",
   "contract": "12-36 months",
   "data": "Static IP, router included",
   "notes": "Business pricing is quote-based."
  },
  {
   "id": "biz-mobile",
   "family": "Business",
   "name": "du Business Complete / Enterprise mobile",
   "audience": "business",
   "from_price": null,
   "speed": "pooled data, multi-SIM",
   "contract": "12-24 months",
   "data": "Fleet + roaming + device plans",
   "notes": "Quote-based; see business hub."
  },
  {
   "id": "biz-voice",
   "family": "Business",
   "name": "du Business Fixed Line / Cloud PBX / Internet Calling Pack",
   "audience": "business",
   "from_price": 30,
   "speed": "voice + numbers + call recording",
   "contract": "12 months",
   "data": "add-on also sold to consumers (Internet Calling Pack)",
   "notes": "Extracted AED 30 add-on anchor from verified resources."
  }
 ]
}