The UAE has recorded around 21.929 million telecom subscribers in the emirates by the end of 2020, according to data released by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. This includes mobile users, landline users as well as internet users.
The data further revealed that the number of mobile phone subscribers in the UAE increased to 16.820 million by December end from 16.707 million in November, at a spread rate of 186.1 lines per 100 people. Also, mobile subscriptions accounting for 76.2 percent of the total subscription base.
It was reported that UAE recorded 23.64 million telecom subscribers in 2019. During the period, mobile subscribers reached 18,278,817. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796. Reportedly, up to 3,016,318 people subscribed to internet services and around 2,345,578 subscribed to fixed-lines till August 2019.
Last year, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced the allocation of new frequency bands for 5G. The frequencies allocated by the UAE’s telecom regulatory body ranges between 24.25 – 27.5 GHz. The new frequencies will allow telcos in UAE to expand the application of 5G.
With regard to the allocation of new frequencies, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director-General told the media, “This decision comes in line with the UAE Strategy for 5G and beyond (2020-2025), as the provision of the frequency spectrum for 5G contributes to building a high-standard global communication platform and enabling the UAE to use and apply the latest ICT, to provide global standards services, achieve long-term social and economic benefits in various areas such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and education.”