First LTE-Advanced in UAE with Nokia and du

  • Data speeds up to 225 Mbps
  • Combines 1800 and 800 MHz FDD-LTE bands

Nokia Networks enabled du, the Middle East's fastest growing telecommunications service provider, to launch the first LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) services in the UAE. For launching LTE-A services on its 4G network, du used Nokia Networks' advanced radio platform Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station , carrier aggregation software, and professional services, combining FDD-LTE bands 1800 MHz and 800 MHz.

Combining the wide coverage of a low band with the capacity of a high band provides the most efficient use of frequencies and superb coverage indoors and outdoors - allowing higher performance everywhere with peak data speed of up to 225 Mbps for customers.

Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President, Network Development and Operations, du, said: "This milestone underscores our global standing as a frontrunner in introducing latest mobile broadband technologies in the UAE. We timed it with the availability of CAT-6 smartphones* in the UAE, so that our customers can immediately enjoy higher download speeds with increased throughput and coverage. In addition, with this achievement we will be able to help the government realize its Smart City vision."

Tony Awad, Head of du Customer Team at Nokia Networks, said: "This feat is a great example of how we help ambitious telecom service providers such as du address the ever-increasing demand for faster data speeds by taking advantage of existing spectrum. Our carrier aggregation solution helps du's customers access wireless next generation data services across the UAE."

Solution at a glance:

  • Nokia Networks' commercial Single RAN Advanced hardware, including the Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station for high-capacity throughput

  • Software to aggregate FDD-LTE bands 1800 and 800 MHz

  • Multi-layer radio network optimization and modernization of existing hardware

Did you know?

  • du commercially launched LTE on 1800 MHz in June 2012 and successfully tested VoLTE on its commercial LTE network in August 2014. du demonstrated VoLTE calls during GITEX 2014; commercial launch is expected by Q2 2015.

  • Also during GITEX 2014, du demonstrated LTE-A, delivering 900 Mbps over its LTE network by combining three carriers with MIMO 4x4. In July 2014, du tested LTE-A with carrier aggregation on its commercial network with 300 Mbps peak throughput by combining FDD-LTE bands 1800 MHz and 800 MHz.