UAE ‘accelerates’ to 6G era with e&’s new network

UAE telecommunications firm e& has launched the world's first mobile network operating on the Upper 6GHz (U6GHz) spectrum, marking a significant step in the development of 6G technology. This launch, described by e& as accelerating the nation's transition to the 6G era, represents a transition from theoretical validation to live commercial application, enhancing the 5G-advanced experience and setting the stage for 6G adoption, according to chief technology officer Marwan Bin Shakar.

Incorporating advanced beamforming capabilities and superior interference suppression, the U6GHz network addresses limitations of current 5G networks, ensuring superior service quality even in densely populated regions. Bin Shakar emphasized that this achievement aligns with the UAE's vision of being the world's most advanced digital hub, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and next-generation connectivity.

The move is part of a broader series of developments in the UAE's trajectory toward 6G adoption. In September, du, another UAE telecoms company, and Khalifa University conducted successful field trials for 6G technology, achieving outdoor coverage of up to 500 meters and peak downlink speeds nearing 1.5 gigabits per second in Abu Dhabi. These tests were conducted on live macro infrastructure, indicating the readiness of the UAE's mobile network for 6G services.

In 2024, the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Regulatory Authority announced plans to allocate 600MHz and 6GHz bands, further propelling the development of 6G services in the region. With predictions from industry leaders like Samsung suggesting that 6G networks could become widespread by 2030, the UAE's strategic investments and technological advancements position it as a pivotal player in the global 6G landscape.