During the 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Telecom Review conducted an exclusive interview with Eng. Tariq Al Awadhi, Executive Director, Spectrum Affairs, TDRA. He discussed the importance of the new spectrum allocation for 6G development in the country and the TDRA’s commitment to ensuring effective spectrum management.
How will the new 600 MHz and 6 GHz spectrum allocations impact 6G development in the UAE?
The allocation of the 600 MHz and 6 GHz bands is set to play a pivotal role in advancing 6G development in the UAE. These bands are crucial for ensuring sufficient bandwidth for IMT-2030 applications. Within the ITU framework, study groups and working parties under the ITU-R sector are diligently working to establish specifications and standards that will pave the way for emerging technologies like 6G.
One of the key requirements for 6G deployment is securing significant bandwidth in the midband spectrum. Currently, we have access to only 100-200 MHz in this range, which is insufficient to meet future requirements. Research indicates that either 200 MHz of continuous spectrum or 400 MHz of total spectrum is essential, both of which are attainable within the 6 GHz frequency band.
Moreover, the WRC-27 agenda includes discussions on additional spectrum allocations for IMT applications in mobile services, further supporting the development of 6G infrastructure in the UAE.
How will the TDRA ensure effective spectrum management to drive ICT development in the UAE?
Spectrum availability is a cornerstone for launching new services. For any operator planning to begin operations, access to interference-free spectrum is the top priority. Adequate spectrum ensures smooth infrastructure deployment and reliable service delivery without disruptions.
As the UAE's regulatory authority, the TDRA is committed to ensuring the availability of interference-free spectrum. This is not an easy task, as frequencies are shared among multiple services and must align with cross-border usage to avoid interference. Achieving this requires collaboration with existing users and neighboring countries, as well as the implementation of detailed regulations and specifications.
The TDRA has already established a comprehensive set of policies to maximize the best spectrum utilization. These efforts have enabled the UAE to use nearly all IMT bands effectively, thanks to early planning and strict operator and stakeholder compliance.
This proactive approach has positioned the UAE as a global leader in mobile broadband penetration, with 5G coverage reaching an impressive 98.5% of populated areas.
TDRA Highlights:
TDRA Recognizes the Zero Government Bureaucracy (ZGB) Programme’s Efforts
TDRA Concludes Participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024
Empowering Emirati Women: TDRA’s Tribute to Innovation and Leadership
TDRA Implements ICT Regulatory Sandbox for Emerging Tech Services and Products
