Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, also known as du, has launched the first phase of its Optical Transport Network (OTN) project in the country. The OTN project is a backhauling optical technology and augments du\'s recently launched fibre-backbone network. The $65 million (Dh238.7 million) project is being implemented on a national scale extending from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and the northern emirates. It will reach du\'s submarine cable landing station in Fujairah. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2012 and will include the other emirates of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.