du achieves world-first six-carrier aggregation on commercial 5G-Advanced network

UAE telecom operator du has announced what it describes as the world’s first six-carrier aggregation deployment on a commercial 5G-Advanced network, combining six 5G New Radio (NR) component carriers across FDD and TDD spectrum.

The deployment, carried out in collaboration with Nokia, combines 420MHz of spectrum bandwidth and is designed to increase network capacity and performance while supporting the UAE’s transition towards next-generation connectivity and 6G.

5G+ network combines six carriers

Carrier aggregation enables compatible devices to use multiple spectrum channels simultaneously, creating a wider connection for mobile data.

Du’s deployment brings together six carriers across the 3.6GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.1GHz, 1.8GHz and 600MHz bands. The company said compatible customers will see the 5G+ icon on supported devices.

The increased capacity is expected to support higher data throughput and more consistent connectivity as demand for mobile data and advanced applications grows.

Deployment tested under real-world conditions

The milestone was achieved on du’s commercial 5G-Advanced Standalone network under real-world field conditions.

Nokia supported the deployment using its commercial Habrok massive MIMO radios. The capability was also validated on the latest generation of compatible devices.

The technology is intended to support data-intensive mobile experiences, including applications incorporating artificial intelligence and other next-generation technologies.

Building towards 6G

Six-carrier aggregation is part of 5G-Advanced, also known as 5G+, which builds on existing 5G capabilities through improvements in network performance, capacity and efficiency.

Du said the deployment also contributes to the technological foundations needed for the eventual transition towards 6G.

The achievement supports the UAE’s national 6G roadmap led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and forms part of the country’s broader efforts to develop advanced digital infrastructure.

du and Nokia highlight network evolution

Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said bringing six 5G carriers together on the commercial network would allow the company to make greater use of available spectrum and increase capacity as customer requirements evolve.

He said validating the capability on the latest generation of devices demonstrates how network and device advances can work together to expand the capabilities of 5G+.

Danial Mausoof, Vice President, MI Segment, MEA at Nokia, said carrier aggregation is important for making effective use of distributed spectrum resources and improving 5G-Advanced performance.

He added that the deployment demonstrates Nokia’s work in carrier aggregation and commercial-grade network technology for next-generation applications.

UAE advances next-generation connectivity

Du said the deployment reflects its continued investment in advanced network capabilities and the UAE’s telecommunications infrastructure.

As the operator expands its commercial 5G-Advanced network, the six-carrier aggregation deployment is expected to provide a platform for further network innovation and contribute to the evolution of mobile connectivity towards 6G.