Du has awarded its first franchise licence to UAE-based AST Telecomm. The firm will start its operation at Dragon Mart, where Du products and services will be sold through its Du outlet. The move is part of Du's plans to franchise 18 of its existing 35 shops and set up five new franchise outlets, including the franchised shop in Dragon Mart, in 2010, which will bring the total number of its shops to 40 by the end of the year.