In a bold step toward the next era of wireless innovation, e& UAE has successfully tested the 6 GHz and 600 MHz spectrum bands recently allocated for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). These pioneering tests demonstrated speeds of up to 10 Gbps using 6 GHz and extended 5G coverage beyond 6 km with 600 MHz, showcasing a transformative leap in connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.
Next-Level Speeds and Reach
Using commercial-grade Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), e& UAE achieved 10 Gbps through aggregation of the 6 GHz band with existing FR1 TDD bands—setting new benchmarks for mobile broadband in the region. In parallel, the low-band 600 MHz spectrum proved its strength in covering vast distances, highlighting its potential in bringing 5G to underserved and remote areas.
“These tests show how we are shaping the future of 5G wireless in the UAE,” said Marwan Bin Shakar, Acting CTO of e& UAE. “By leveraging the power of both 6 GHz and 600 MHz, we’re not just delivering faster internet—we’re paving the way toward 5G-Advanced, 6G, and a smarter, more connected nation.”
Benefits for Homes and Enterprises
For residential users already enjoying gigabit fibre, this opens the door to wireless experiences like 8K UHD streaming, lag-free virtual reality, and ultra-fast downloads, even in hard-to-reach locations.
For businesses, the dual-band approach combines high-speed broadband from 6 GHz with the expansive, stable coverage of 600 MHz. This supports cloud computing, industrial IoT, AI-driven analytics, and smart city infrastructure, offering enterprise-grade performance without the need for fibre cabling.
TDRA’s Vision and Strategic Spectrum Allocation
The TDRA’s 2024 spectrum allocation strategy provides 350 MHz of bandwidth in the 6 GHz band, boosting capacity in dense urban settings, while the 600 MHz band ensures broad coverage and deep indoor penetration—essential for smart buildings, logistics, and emergency services.
Economic Implications
According to a GSMA Intelligence report, 5G is expected to contribute US$610 billion to global GDP by 2030, with mid-band spectrum (including 6 GHz) accounting for nearly 65% of that value. e& UAE’s initiative aligns the country with these forecasts, positioning the UAE to reap the socio-economic benefits of strategic spectrum deployment.
Building the Future of Wireless
By integrating C-band, 6 GHz, and 600 MHz into its 5G strategy, e& UAE is creating a resilient, future-proof wireless ecosystem. This tri-band approach enables:
- High-capacity urban connectivity (C-band)
- Ultra-fast broadband for advanced applications (6 GHz)
- Nationwide, far-reaching coverage (600 MHz)
