du, a leading UAE-based telecommunications operator, has made a major stride in advancing its network capabilities through a groundbreaking trial of 5G-Advanced uplink technology in partnership with Nokia and MediaTek. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, showcasing the potential for boosting network performance and enabling a new era of connectivity.
In a statement released by du, the operator revealed that the trial leveraged Nokia’s AirScale portfolio, which includes state-of-the-art massive MIMO radios, baseband and macro remote radios. Additionally, MediaTek’s T830 5G FWA mobile chipset played a key role in enhancing the network’s capabilities. The incorporation of these cutting-edge technologies resulted in a 70 per cent improvement in network performance, signaling a major breakthrough in the region’s telecommunications landscape.
One of the key highlights of the trial was the implementation of three transmitter antennas and two component carrier aggregation across LTE frequency bands on du’s existing infrastructure. This innovative approach led to significant advancements in uplink speeds, paving the way for high-demand applications such as live streaming, video conferencing, and large data uploads. The success of the trial underscores du’s commitment to enhancing customer connectivity and delivering superior network performance since its initial 5G launch in 2019.
Hasan Alshemeili, Head of infra technology planning at du, emphasized the importance of the trial in driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of customers in the region. He stated, “This test aligns with our ongoing commitment to enhance customer connectivity since our initial 5G launch in 2019. The significant advancements in uplink speeds achieved through this trial will enable us to offer a superior user experience and support a wide range of high-demand applications.”
Meanwhile, Ho-Chi Hwang, General Manager of wireless communication system and partnerships at MediaTek, highlighted the significance of the trial in setting a benchmark for technological innovation in the region. He commented, “The collaboration between du, Nokia, and MediaTek in conducting this trial sets a significant benchmark in the region and demonstrates the potential of advanced uplink technologies in transforming the telecommunications landscape.”
The success of du’s trial of 5G-Advanced uplink technology not only reinforces the operator’s position as a pioneer in the region’s telecommunications industry but also opens up new opportunities for delivering enhanced connectivity solutions to customers. By leveraging the combined expertise of Nokia and MediaTek, du has demonstrated its commitment to driving technological innovation and delivering superior network performance to meet the growing demands of the digital era.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, the successful deployment of advanced technologies like 5G-Advanced uplink will play a crucial role in shaping the future of connectivity in the Middle East and Africa region. With du leading the way in pioneering innovative solutions, customers can look forward to a new era of connectivity that promises faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced user experiences across a wide range of applications.
In conclusion, du’s collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek in conducting the first trial of 5G-Advanced uplink technology in the MEA region represents a significant milestone in driving technological innovation and advancing network capabilities. The successful demonstration of enhanced uplink speeds and improved network performance underscores the potential of advanced technologies in transforming the telecommunications landscape and meeting the evolving needs of customers. By setting a benchmark for excellence in connectivity solutions, du is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of telecommunications in the region and delivering unparalleled user experiences to customers.