du and ZTE have officially launched Upper 6GHz technology in the UAE. This milestone marks a significant step in supporting greater network capacity and the evolution of 5G connectivity.
The development brings U6GHz connectivity into customer-facing services on du’s live 5G+ network. According to du’s announcement, the service uses commercially available customer-premises equipment. It operates across 350 MHz of contiguous spectrum in the 6,775–7,125 MHz band.
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Expanding Network Capacity with Upper 6GHz Technology
As demand for data-intensive services grows, telecom operators need additional network capacity. This capacity is essential to support faster connectivity, home and business broadband, and emerging applications powered by artificial intelligence.
Upper 6GHz spectrum offers a unique opportunity to increase this capacity. For users, its potential applications include enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access. This delivers broadband connectivity without requiring a traditional wired connection to every premises.
Future-Proofing 5G and Connectivity
The technology also supports the evolution of 5G-Advanced networks toward 6G. However, U6GHz is a spectrum technology, not a standalone 6G network.
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Its commercial deployment on du’s existing 5G+ infrastructure represents a key step toward supporting future connectivity demands. The commercial milestone was highlighted by Aamer Atallah, Chief Strategy Officer at ZTE.
He credited the progress to coordination between the two companies’ teams. He also noted the support from Hu Kun, ZTE’s President for the Middle East.
Driving Digital Infrastructure in the UAE
The collaboration reflects the wider push by telecom operators to move advanced spectrum technologies into commercial services. According to du, U6GHz supports enhanced mobile broadband and next-generation fixed wireless access.
It also facilitates cloud-based AI applications and immersive digital experiences. These technologies are increasingly vital for connected homes, businesses, and industries.
The deployment aligns with the UAE’s broader ambitions to advance its digital infrastructure. As operators continue developing 5G-Advanced capabilities, additional spectrum capacity will be important.
The next milestone will be how effectively the technology delivers additional capacity in commercial use. Its performance will demonstrate the role this innovation plays in the UAE’s telecommunications landscape.
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