In a groundbreaking achievement, e& UAE, the flagship telecom operator of e& (formerly Etisalat Group), has set a new world record by achieving a 600 Mbps uplink speed on a live 5G network, marking a significant milestone in the global rollout of 5 G-Advanced technology.
The record-setting performance was achieved by aggregating FR1 bands (2100 MHz and C-band) and deploying Uplink 3Tx (three transmit antennas) on a commercial Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) device, all of which are fully compliant with 3GPP Release 17 standards. This is the highest uplink speed ever recorded on a live 5G site, establishing a global benchmark for future connectivity.
“e& UAE’s world-record 600Mbps uplink speed is a strategic leap forward in digital innovation. This isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a platform for transformation, positioning the UAE as a global technology leader,” said Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, Vice President of Fixed Access Network at e& UAE.
Enabling a New Era of Uplink-Driven Applications
This technological feat enables the seamless operation of uplink-intensive applications, critical for businesses, smart cities, and digital-first consumers. Enterprises can now upload massive datasets in real time, supporting AI-driven automation, real-time analytics in logistics, and high-frequency data from smart factory sensors.
Creative industries stand to gain significantly as well, with content creators now able to upload 8K videos and live streams in seconds. At the same time, VR/AR developers benefit from near-instant cloud collaboration. Applications such as live video analytics, drone surveillance, virtual event hosting, and user-generated AR content will also thrive with ultra-low latency and enhanced reliability.
Powering the Future with 5 G-Advanced Capabilities
Built on 3GPP Release 17, this deployment incorporates features like enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). These advancements are critical to supporting smart homes, autonomous vehicles, real-time healthcare, and immersive virtual environments.
With this achievement, e& UAE is pioneering the next wave of digital transformation, paving the way for more innovative, more energy-efficient, and scalable 5G networks. The deployment of Uplink 3Tx on a live commercial site not only proves technical viability but also fast-tracks real-world implementation once compatible CPEs become commercially available.
Looking Ahead
This innovation further cements e& UAE’s position as a global telecom innovator, contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a leading hub for technology and digital economy. As the 5 G-Advanced roadmap accelerates, uplink speed will be as critical as download speed, enabling a truly connected, real-time world where information flows in all directions at lightning speed.
–Input WAM
