e& UAE has conducted pioneering trials of the recently allocated 6 GHz and 600 MHz spectrum bands, granted by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). Achieving speeds of up to 10 Gbps on the 6 GHz band, integrated with other FR1 TDD bands using commercial Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), the trials also demonstrated 600 MHz’s potential to extend 5G coverage over 6 km. These advancements signify a critical milestone in the UAE’s 5G evolution, with far-reaching implications for residential, commercial, and national digital growth.
Marwan Bin Shakar, Acting Chief Technology Officer at e& UAE, commented: “Our success in achieving 10 Gbps and extending coverage over 6 km with commercial-grade equipment reflects our commitment to advancing 5G-Advanced and preparing for 6G, shaping a smarter UAE.”
Utilising commercial CPE underscores e& UAE’s readiness for practical 5G deployment, reinforcing its leadership in next-generation connectivity. For consumers, this translates into enhanced wireless experiences, such as 8K UHD streaming, rapid downloads, and smooth virtual reality. The 600 MHz band supports dependable 5G coverage across both urban and remote environments.
For enterprises, the 6 GHz band enables high-performance cloud, IoT, and AI-based applications, while 600 MHz ensures reliable coverage for industrial IoT and smart city ecosystems. This combination fosters business agility and operational excellence.
TDRA’s 2024 spectrum policy places the UAE at the cutting edge of global 5G development. The 6 GHz band supports high-capacity urban networks, while 600 MHz ensures wide-ranging connectivity. According to GSMA Intelligence, mid-band 5G—like 6 GHz—will drive 65% of the US$ 610 billion in global GDP growth expected by 2030, with the UAE poised to benefit.
e& UAE’s spectrum integration strategy ensures a robust, future-ready 5G network capable of powering the UAE’s digital future.
