UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced the allocation of new frequency bands for 5G, the media reported.
The frequencies allocated by the UAE’s telecom regulatory body ranges between 24.25 – 27.5 GHz.
The new frequencies will allow telcos in UAE to expand the application of 5G.
With regard to the allocation of new frequencies, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director-General told the media, “This decision comes in line with the UAE Strategy for 5G and beyond (2020-2025), as the provision of the frequency spectrum for 5G contributes to building a high-standard global communication platform and enabling the UAE to use and apply the latest ICT, to provide global standards services, achieve long-term social and economic benefits in various areas such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and education.”
“Moreover, this initiative comes as a result of international coordination and technical studies that have lasted more than 4 years, which highlights the importance of international coordination and harmony in providing access to this important part of the spectrum,” he added.
The band will be allocated in two phases. While the first phase has already started on September 1st, the second phase will start in the third quarter of 2021.
The number of telecom subscribers in the UAE, which includes fix lines and data services, amounted to 23.64 million in 2019, according to local media reports.
Local media also reported that the number of phone subscribers reached 18,278,817 during the period. While prepaid-service subscribers amounted to 14,655,021, post-paid service mobile subscribers reached 3,623,796.