The Telecommunications and Regulatory Authority (TRA)  in the UAE has set a deadline for customers using illegal phones. As of January 1, anyone found using a counterfeit phone will face termination of services from telecom providers. The counterfeit devices are to be detected with the help of mobile operators du and Etisalat.

Repeater devices are being sold in the UAE to enhance mobile coverage in areas where there is limited connectivity, despite the fact that the sale of such devices is illegal in the UAE. Repeaters can enhance mobile coverage within a particular area by capturing and boosting a weak mobile signal through an antenna and amplifier. Residents in low connectivity areas have resorted to using these repeater devices in order to enhance their mobile connectivity.

Google began selling digital music via 'Google Music' on Wednesday. The new Google service offers music streaming, a music store and social media features. The Google Music store, which has been incorporated into the Android app market, already has over 13 million songs available, thanks to deals with Universal Music, Sony and EMI.

UAE based Mubadala Development Company has become part owner of London-based EMI, which is being sold in pieces for $4.1 billion. Mubadala, alongside Sony, the Raine Group and the Blackstone Group, have aquired EMI's music publishing rights in a deal worth $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, Vivendi’s Universal Music Group are set to buy EMI’s recorded music rights for $1.9 billion.