UAE-based telecom operator du has successfully deployed the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first live millimeter wave 5G site at Yas Island, according to media reports.
The live millimeter wave 5G site by du is expected to provide ultra-high mobile broadband speeds of up to 2.1Gbps using a 26GHz frequency and at the same time improve coverage, and accelerate the pace of widespread 5G usage in the country.
du, which is owned by Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), is committed to support the UAE’s governments’ plan to digitalise the economy.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at EITC told the media, “du continues to deliver pioneering solutions that enhance best-in-class infrastructure and contribute to the government’s digital transformation agenda. By actively driving the latest innovative technologies and solutions, transformation achieved as a result will boost performance and increases industry standards.”
“The mm Wave frequencies will greatly improve network capacity and allow du to deliver enhanced services to an unprecedented number of mobile users. Furthermore, they will provide cost-effective 5G coverage in high-traffic areas. 5G device sales that support the mm Wave are continually rising and we anticipate higher market availability and wider adoption in the near future.”
Earlier this month, du also announced that it has entered into a partnership with Batelco, Bahrain’s leading mobile operator. Now Batelco customers will be able to use 5G services in the UAE through du’s network.
In 2019, du introduced the fifth-generation cellular network technology in the UAE by hosting live 5G consumer experiences across its retail outlets. UAE was the first country in the Middle East and fourth globally to roll-out 5G network.