Emirati telecom provider du has announced a significant extension of its partnership with Nokia to expand its 5G network across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This new agreement will allow du to deploy an advanced 5G network incorporating technologies such as enhanced mobile broadband and massive IoT connectivity. These innovations aim to prepare the network for future needs, supporting consumers and businesses.
Under the expanded deal, du will implement Nokia’s 5G AirScale Radio Access Network portfolio, including baseband and Massive MIMO radios. The deployment promises improved energy efficiency and should cater to the rising demand for 5G services, aligning with du’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. Saleem AlBlooshi, CTO at du, emphasized the importance of this enhancement for both network efficiency and customer value.
Mohamed Samir, VP of mobile networks at Nokia Middle East, stated, “du will be positioned as a frontrunner in the 5G services. Our shared vision is to redefine network performance with scalable, energy-efficient solutions, unlocking new avenues for 5G monetization and paving the way for future innovations that will transform connectivity across the region.”
This development follows du’s July collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek in Abu Dhabi, which improved uplink performance by 70% on its 5G-Advanced network. Notably, this trial showcased significant uplink speed improvements, enhancing applications such as video conferencing and large data uploads.
du aims to launch 5G-Advanced technology in Dubai this year, targeting major UAE cities by next year and nationwide coverage by 2026. This endeavor could set the stage for the UAE’s telecommunications sector to lead in innovation and connectivity.
