In a move that reflects the UAE's leadership in the adoption of advanced technologies, especially in the telecommunications sector, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced the launch of the fourth updated version of the National Frequency Plan, including the allocation of the 600 MHz and 6 GHz frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems.
As a result, the UAE has become one of the first countries in the world to take the initiative to allocate such bands to operators. This plan comes in the context of the practical implementation of the outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), held in Dubai, UAE, which garnered the participation of all countries across the world.
The physical operation of these new frequency bands is expected to begin between the years 2025 and 2026. This represents a significant advancement in securing smart city infrastructure, which relies on technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovations. These technologies require high-frequency (HF) bands and ultra-fast data transfer speeds for efficient operation.
This new development will also pave the way for the development of 6G services, which are expected to emerge in 2030. In parallel, the UAE remains dedicated to advancing 5G technologies within the 6 GHz band, achieving a data transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps.
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His Excellency Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of TDRA’s Board of Directors, commended this progress, stating, "The adoption of the 600 MHz and 6 GHz frequency bands for IMT services is a feat that coincides with our joy of Union Day 53. It is in line with the pillars of our national vision, ‘We the UAE 2031,’ which provides for moving from one milestone to another and comes as an actual translation of the spirit of leadership and excellence.
“Our national march aims to create a brighter future according to a roadmap laid out by our wise leadership and implemented by compatriots with their creative minds and determination to enhance the leadership of our beloved nation in communications—the key engine for development in various sectors. The importance of this step lies in the meanings of proactivity and forward thinking that lay the foundation for the coming years of modernization and evolution in light of the dramatic acceleration that characterizes our times.”
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Moreover, TDRA's Director-General, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, pointed out the importance of this milestone in setting the stage for the next phase, adding that, "We have learned from our wise leadership that real preparation for the future is to contribute to its creation and making. In line with this approach, TDRA is working to anticipate the present needs in the range of frequencies providing the spectrum infrastructure required for all sectors of future cities and metropolises.
“The adoption of the new bands would provide the quantum leap needed to ensure that the UAE, which has always been ahead, will maintain this pioneership for years to come. 6G technologies represent a paradigm shift in the world of technology, as they provide blazing-fast data speeds in the terabit level, a response time (latency) of less than a millisecond, and improved networking through artificial intelligence.
“It will also incorporate joint communication and sensing technologies, enabling innovative applications such as real-time hologram connectivity, virtual and augmented reality, smart cities, as well as large-scale integration of the Internet of Things. These advancements will enhance the country's readiness to lead the global digital transformation.”
This step aligns with the UAE's strategic vision to build a knowledge-based economy that relies on innovation and technology and supports the nation's aspiration to transition into a global hub for ICT.
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