e& UAE deploys world’s first commercial U6GHz network for 6G era
Commercial rollout marks shift from validation to live deployment phase
DUBAI – Dubai’s telecom landscape has taken a significant leap as e& UAE announced the award of a contract to a strategic infrastructure partner for the rollout of the world’s first commercial mobile network using Upper 6GHz (U6GHz) 256TRX Giga-MIMO technology.
The deployment is scheduled for commercial launch in the second half of 2026 and represents a shift from technical validation to large-scale commercial readiness. It also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in advanced connectivity, bridging today’s 5G-Advanced capabilities with tomorrow’s 6G foundations.
The initiative aligns with the country’s long-term digital transformation ambitions and next-generation infrastructure strategy.
Network leap
The rollout introduces a new tier of mobile connectivity based on the U6GHz spectrum range of 6425-6775 MHz, utilising up to 350 MHz of bandwidth. This spectrum will be paired with 256TRX Giga-MIMO technology, significantly expanding antenna capacity compared with conventional 64TRX 5G configurations. The upgrade enables more precise beamforming, stronger interference management and enhanced network efficiency in dense urban environments where traffic demand is high.
Peak performance is expected to reach up to 10 Gbps for downlink and 1 Gbps for uplink, positioning the network among the fastest commercial mobile systems globally. Advanced beamforming techniques are designed to mitigate the typical propagation challenges associated with higher-frequency spectrum bands. This ensures coverage levels comparable to existing 3.5 GHz C-band deployments while delivering substantially higher capacity and performance.
Technical edge
At the core of the deployment is the transition of Giga-MIMO technology from controlled testing environments into real-world commercial operation. The 256TRX architecture increases the number of transmit and receive paths at each site, enabling a denser, more intelligent radio layer. This allows for improved user experience in high-demand areas such as business districts, transport corridors and large public venues.
The enhanced infrastructure also supports fibre-like speeds delivered wirelessly, reducing dependency on fixed-line constraints in certain use cases. This evolution is expected to improve service consistency, particularly for bandwidth-intensive applications including immersive digital experiences and advanced enterprise connectivity solutions.
6G pathway
The initiative directly supports the UAE’s national 6G roadmap led by Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping global next-generation standards ahead of IMT-2030 finalisation. It also contributes to broader utilisation of the “Golden 6GHz Band”, strengthening spectrum efficiency and long-term network scalability.
The deployment is expected to enable a new class of digital services, including AI-native network functions, smart city ecosystems, industrial automation platforms and immersive communication technologies. It also lays the groundwork for Integrated Sensing and Communication capabilities, which are anticipated to become a core component of future 6G systems.
By advancing from validation to commercial deployment, e& UAE is constructing a high-capacity digital backbone designed to evolve with emerging technologies.