Nokia and e& UAE have announced a significant advancement in 5G technology with the successful demonstration of six-component carrier (6CC) aggregation in 5G Standalone (SA). This trial showcases the Middle East’s first achievement in combining 400 MHz of e& UAE’s mid-band spectrum, facilitating multi-gigabit peak throughput rates. This enhancement allows subscribers to download ultra-high-definition (UHD) movies in mere seconds and strengthens e& UAE’s position as the fastest mobile network globally.

The trial utilized e& UAE’s commercial spectrum across 3.5 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 1.8 GHz bands, achieving an impressive throughput of 5.8 Gbps. Nokia provided its latest high-capacity equipment from the AirScale portfolio, including Habrok 64 Massive MIMO radios and carrier aggregation software. MediaTek contributed a prototype smartphone powered by its flagship 5G chipset, which supports the 6CC carrier aggregation.

Mark Atkinson, Senior Vice President and Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, emphasized the partnership’s impact, stating that they are “pushing the limits of technology by aggregating six mid-band component carriers.” He noted that these solutions maximize 5G performance and pave the way for Advanced 5G, which will significantly enhance the end-user experience in the UAE’s competitive market.

Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, Vice President Access Network at e& UAE, remarked on the importance of this technology, explaining that aggregating six mid-band carriers allows them to optimize existing spectrum for 5G. He highlighted that this breakthrough demonstrates that 5G Advanced is not just a future concept but a practical solution for achieving multi-gigabit speeds nationwide. He expressed that the goal is to enable the UAE’s digital future through enhanced connectivity.

HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek, stated that completing the 6CC carrier aggregation trial marks a significant leap in 5G technology. He underscored MediaTek’s commitment to improving download speeds and network performance, ensuring unparalleled connectivity for users.