The telecom industry in the UAE has reached a new height. e& UAE has set a world record for the fastest uplink speed ever recorded on a live 5G network, achieving a remarkable 600Mbps. This breakthrough puts the UAE at the center of global attention and confirms e&’s position as a leader in advanced mobile networks.
The achievement was made using 5G Standalone architecture and millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. This result was accomplished in partnership with Ericsson, a major name in global telecom infrastructure.
This new record is more than just a number. It shows the huge potential of next-generation mobile networks and paves the way for new applications and services for people and businesses.
Why uplink speed is becoming more important than ever
When most people think about mobile internet speed, they focus on download speeds—how quickly they can stream a video or download a file. However, uplink speed, or how fast data moves from a user’s device back to the internet, is now becoming just as important.
Today, people use their phones and devices to upload videos, hold video calls, share files with cloud services, and interact with real-time applications. This makes uplink speed crucial for both personal use and business operations.
The 600Mbps speed achieved by e& UAE on a live 5G network will allow smoother video calls, faster file uploads, more reliable cloud usage, and better support for live broadcasting, telemedicine, and remote learning.
How e& UAE reached the 600Mbps 5G uplink speed record
Reaching this speed required a mix of the latest 5G technologies. Here’s how it was done:
- 5G Standalone (SA) mode: Unlike Non-Standalone 5G, which relies partly on older 4G systems, Standalone 5G uses a complete 5G network, unlocking the full power of next-generation speeds and performance.
- mmWave spectrum: These are very high-frequency waves that can move large amounts of data at incredible speeds over short distances. They are ideal for dense urban areas.
- Carrier Aggregation: This method combines multiple 5G frequency bands into one larger channel, increasing total bandwidth and improving speed.
- Uplink SU-MIMO (Single User, Multiple Input Multiple Output): This technology uses multiple antennas to transmit data more efficiently from a single user’s device to the network.
Using these tools together, e& UAE was able to achieve a peak uplink speed of 600Mbps, making it the fastest known speed ever reached on a live 5G network.
Ericsson and e&: A strong technology partnership
This achievement was made possible through the ongoing collaboration between e& UAE and Ericsson. The companies used some of Ericsson’s most advanced 5G equipment, including the AIR 3268 radio unit. This device is known for being compact, efficient, and designed for high-speed performance in real-world conditions.
The partnership reflects how collaboration between operators and technology suppliers is key to advancing mobile communications. By working together, they were able to test and optimize the network in real-time environments—bringing theory into practice.
What this means for UAE users and industries
For regular smartphone users, this kind of speed upgrade will make a noticeable difference. Uploading high-resolution photos, sending large videos, or joining a video call will all become faster and more stable. The benefits are especially clear for those working remotely or using cloud-based tools.
But the bigger impact may be seen in business and industry. Faster uplink speeds can support:
- Healthcare: Medical professionals can send large diagnostic images instantly or assist in remote surgeries with real-time video.
- Media and entertainment: Journalists and content creators can stream in 4K or 8K without delay, speeding up production and delivery.
- Manufacturing: Smart factories can monitor systems in real time, analyze data, and adjust processes instantly.
- Logistics and transportation: Autonomous vehicles and delivery systems can send real-time updates for better efficiency and safety.
This is not just about faster internet—it’s about creating smarter, more connected services for the future.
Supporting UAE’s digital transformation goals
This record supports the UAE’s national strategy for digital growth. The country’s Vision 2031 plan aims to make the UAE a global leader in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure.
The government is investing heavily in digital services, 5G infrastructure, and future technologies to support smart cities, clean energy, and a data-driven economy. e& UAE, formerly known as Etisalat, has been leading this charge by being one of the first operators in the world to launch a commercial 5G network.
Now, by breaking this global record, the company is showing the world that the UAE is not just keeping up—it’s setting the pace.
What comes next for 5G in the UAE?
Now that this speed has been reached, the next step will be to expand these technologies into daily use. Here’s what we can expect:
- More mmWave deployment in urban centers to support high-traffic areas
- 5G network slicing, which allows multiple virtual networks to be created on a single physical network—each with its own settings and priorities
- Development of private 5G networks for industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and ports
- Greater use of artificial intelligence and automation to manage and improve networks
- Research into 6G, the next generation of wireless communication, which is already underway
This breakthrough uplink speed will support all of these efforts, making the UAE more connected and more competitive.
Global impact: Why the world is watching e& UAE
Telecom operators around the world are closely watching what’s happening in the UAE. Many are still developing their 5G rollouts, while e& UAE is pushing boundaries and setting new records.
This will likely attract interest from global technology firms, investors, and governments looking to build their own high-speed infrastructure. The UAE could become a testing ground for some of the most advanced use cases in smart cities, transport, and public services.
What the experts are saying
Industry leaders have praised this achievement as a major moment in the 5G journey.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Consumer Officer at e& UAE, said,
“This achievement shows our commitment to pushing boundaries and providing customers with a network that is ready for the future.”
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added,
“Our collaboration with e& UAE continues to deliver big results. This record uplink speed proves how 5G can transform the way we live and work.”
These statements underline the importance of the milestone, not just for the company, but for the industry as a whole.
Final thoughts: A record that shapes the future
Reaching 600Mbps on a live 5G network isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a glimpse into the future of communication.
It shows how telecom companies, when equipped with the right technology and partnerships, can open the door to services and innovations that were once only dreams. From smart cities to autonomous vehicles, from online education to virtual healthcare, the opportunities that follow are endless.
e& UAE’s new record uplink speed will inspire other telecom providers to push further and innovate faster. More importantly, it will bring real benefits to people and businesses, making daily life smoother, safer, and more connected.
This achievement proves one thing: The UAE is not just participating in the global tech race—it’s leading it.
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