Ericsson and e& UAE have signed a pivotal three-year deal to expand and modernize the UAE’s 5G radio access network (RAN). The collaboration includes deploying Ericsson’s latest radio technology, which will introduce 5G Advanced features along with achieving the first commercial rollout of Reduced Capability (RedCap) in the Middle East and Africa.
This new initiative seeks to further enhance network capacity, coverage, and energy efficiency. Ericsson’s state-of-the-art Radio System portfolio is designed to enhance network capabilities, preparing it for upcoming advancements like AI-driven automation and advanced network slicing.
Marwan Bin Shakar, acting CTO at e& UAE, commented, “Our agreement with Ericsson reflects a shared vision for digital transformation and reinforces our commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge 5G network that delivers premium services to both consumers and enterprises.”
Petra Schirren, president of Ericsson Gulf, emphasized their commitment to support e& UAE in its ambition to expand and modernize its RAN infrastructure.
This expansion aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and support the Net Zero target by 2030. By modernizing existing radio infrastructure, the Arab carrier can take a significant step toward these goals.
Furthermore, this modernization facilitates innovations in AI-powered RAN automation, service-aware connectivity, and network slicing, which are essential for the future of telecommunications.
Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between e& UAE and Ericsson to jointly explore 6G technologies and use cases. This MoU involves technical discussions to explore key 6G concepts, serving as an early engagement to define the next generation of mobile network evolution.
