du has deployed what it describes as the world’s first six-carrier aggregation on a commercial 5G-Advanced network, combining 420 MHz of spectrum to increase network capacity and support faster, more consistent mobile connectivity in the UAE.
The deployment was completed in collaboration with Nokia on du’s commercial 5G-Advanced Standalone network under real-world field conditions. It aggregates six 5G New Radio component carriers across Frequency Division Duplex and Time Division Duplex spectrum.
The deployment uses spectrum across the 3.6 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 1.8 GHz and 600 MHz bands, supported by Nokia’s commercial Habrok massive MIMO radios. The capability was validated using the latest generation of compatible devices.
Carrier aggregation enables devices to use multiple spectrum channels simultaneously, effectively creating a wider connection for mobile data. For compatible devices displaying the 5G+ icon, the technology can increase throughput and network capacity while improving performance as data consumption grows.
du said the enhanced capability will support data-intensive applications, including AI-powered features and next-generation digital services, while providing more seamless connectivity for consumers and businesses.
The milestone also contributes to the UAE’s national 6G roadmap led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. du said its continued development of 5G-Advanced capabilities will help build the network foundations needed for the country’s transition towards 6G.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said the achievement demonstrates the company’s efforts to make greater use of its spectrum while strengthening network performance and advancing the UAE’s next-generation connectivity ambitions.
Nokia said the deployment highlights the role of carrier aggregation in maximising performance from fragmented spectrum assets and supporting the evolution towards advanced mobile networks.
News Source: Ogilvy
