e& UAE will launch the world’s first commercial U6GHz 256TRX Giga-MIMO mobile network, delivering faster 5G-Advanced connectivity and supporting the UAE’s roadmap toward 6G.
The company has awarded a contract to a strategic infrastructure partner to deploy the technology, with commercial rollout scheduled for the second half of 2026. The move positions e& UAE among the first operators globally to move U6GHz Giga-MIMO technology from technical validation to large-scale commercial deployment.
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The initiative aligns with the UAE’s national 6G roadmap, led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and supports the country’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping next-generation telecommunications infrastructure ahead of global 6G standardisation.
“The commercial deployment of U6GHz 256TRX Giga-MIMO is a major step in e& UAE’s network evolution. It will enhance the 5G-Advanced experience for customers today while preparing the architecture needed for 6G,” said Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer of e& UAE.
The deployment will leverage the Upper 6GHz spectrum band between 6425 MHz and 6775 MHz, providing up to 350 MHz of spectrum capacity. Combined with 256TRX Giga-MIMO technology, the network will significantly increase antenna capabilities compared to conventional 64TRX 5G deployments.
According to the company, the technology is designed to deliver peak download speeds of up to 10 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Enhanced beamforming and interference management capabilities are expected to improve network performance in densely populated urban areas while maintaining coverage levels comparable to existing 3.5 GHz C-band deployments.
The rollout is expected to strengthen network capacity and support emerging digital services that require ultra-high-speed, low-latency connectivity. These include AI-native networks, immersive digital experiences, industrial automation, smart city applications, and future Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) use cases expected to play a key role in 6G ecosystems.
The deployment also reinforces the strategic importance of the “Golden 6GHz Band,” which is increasingly viewed by industry stakeholders as a critical spectrum resource for future mobile network expansion.
As telecom operators worldwide prepare for the next generation of wireless connectivity, e& UAE’s commercial deployment represents an early step toward building the infrastructure required to support future 6G services and advanced digital applications.
The launch further strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional leader in telecommunications innovation and digital infrastructure development, while supporting broader national ambitions to build a globally competitive digital economy.
Why e& UAE Launching Matters to MENA
The deployment reinforces the UAE’s position as one of the region’s leading testbeds for next-generation connectivity.
As governments across MENA invest heavily in AI, smart cities, autonomous systems, and digital economies, advanced network infrastructure will be critical to supporting future innovation.
The launch also highlights the region’s growing role in shaping global telecommunications standards rather than simply adopting them. By commercializing emerging technologies ahead of many international markets, the UAE is strengthening its competitiveness in the race toward 6G.
