Telecom operator du has announced what it says is the world’s first commercial deployment of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) services using L-Band (1.4 GHz) spectrum, marking a new step in the evolution of its mobile network in the UAE.
5G-A rollout
The company said the deployment strengthens its 5G-Advanced network by improving spectrum use, increasing capacity and delivering more stable connectivity for users. It also aims to support more consistent service across urban areas, suburbs and indoor locations.
du said the L-Band spectrum offers a balance between coverage and capacity, with improved signal reach and stronger indoor penetration. It also enhances uplink performance, which can improve overall user experience.
Network performance
According to du, the new spectrum layer will help improve network resilience and manage heavy traffic during peak usage periods. It is positioned as part of a wider multi-band 5G-Advanced strategy to optimise capacity across different spectrum layers.
Industry use cases
The company said the upgraded network will support services such as enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, massive IoT applications and future AI-driven digital services. It also forms part of preparations for ultra-reliable low-latency communications and large-scale machine-type connectivity.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said: “At du, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in network quality and service excellence. The successful deployment of 5G-Advanced services is a proud global first for du and a testament to the ingenuity of our network teams. The L-Band spectrum initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and our continuous efforts to maximize spectrum resources to deliver superior connectivity experiences for our customers.”
Regulatory support
du said the rollout was enabled by support from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which has played a role in facilitating spectrum access for advanced telecom services in the UAE.
The company added that the development aligns with national digital transformation goals and its broader strategy to improve network efficiency, customer experience and sustainability.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
