Faster Internet Arrives in the UAE as e& Advances 5.5G Rollout
Dubai’s mobile internet just took a major leap forward. If slow speeds in crowded places frustrate you, this upgrade aims to change that — and your phone may already be ready.
Telecom operator e& UAE has enhanced its live 5.5G network with a powerful new feature that promises faster downloads, smoother streaming, and more reliable performance where networks usually struggle the most.
e& Activates Four-Carrier Aggregation on Live 5.5G Network
Dubai-based e& UAE has upgraded its existing 5.5G mobile network by enabling four-carrier aggregation on commercially available smartphones.
This technology allows supported devices to connect to four network channels at the same time, instead of relying on a single channel. The result is a noticeable boost in speed, stability, and overall mobile performance.
Think of it as turning four parallel internet lanes into one wide, high-speed highway for your phone.
👉 Also Read : FCC’s Threat to Disconnect Chinese Telecoms from US Network
Why Four-Carrier Aggregation Matters
Four-carrier aggregation directly addresses one of mobile users’ biggest pain points: congestion.
Faster speeds in busy places
Malls, stadiums, business districts, and event venues often overwhelm mobile networks. By combining four channels simultaneously, phones maintain higher speeds even when thousands of users connect at once.
Smoother streaming and downloads
Video streams load faster. Large files download quicker. Online gaming feels more responsive.
According to e&, compatible smartphones can achieve peak download speeds exceeding 4 gigabits per second under ideal conditions.
How the Technology Works Behind the Scenes
FDD and TDD Spectrum Working Together
The upgrade intelligently combines two different spectrum types:
- FDD (Frequency Division Duplex)
Provides wider, more reliable coverage across large areas. - TDD (Time Division Duplex)
Delivers higher data capacity and handles heavy traffic efficiently.
By merging FDD and TDD, e& focuses on real-world performance, not just impressive speed numbers in lab tests.
👉 Also Read : €894,000 Shocker: 20,000 Vodafone Customers Getting Money Back After Roaming Scandal
Built for Real-World Usage, Not Just Speed Tests
e& designed this upgrade to improve everyday mobile experiences.
The company says the technology:
- Increases overall network capacity
- Improves spectrum efficiency
- Delivers more consistent performance during peak usage
This approach ensures users feel the difference in daily browsing, streaming, and work tasks — not just during speed tests.
Ready for 8K Streaming, Cloud Gaming, and Enterprise Apps
The enhanced 5.5G network supports high-bandwidth applications that demand stable, ultra-fast connections.
Consumer use cases include:
- 8K video streaming
- Cloud gaming with low latency
- High-quality video calls
Enterprise and business use cases include:
- Advanced cloud applications
- Smart city services
- Mission-critical enterprise connectivity
This positions e&’s network for future-ready digital services across industries.
A Major Step Toward 5.5G-Advanced
The rollout also signals growing readiness for 5.5G-Advanced services.
Smartphones, network equipment, and backend systems now align more closely with next-generation mobile standards. This alignment ensures smoother upgrades as future features roll out.
Live Now in Select UAE Areas — Wider Rollout from 2026
e& confirmed that four-carrier aggregation already runs live in select locations across the UAE.
The operator plans a wider rollout starting in 2026, expanding coverage as device support and network readiness continue to grow.
Users with compatible smartphones may already experience faster speeds without changing their plans.
👉 Also Read : Maryland AG Targets Four Telecom Giants in Robocall Fight
What e& Leadership Says About the Upgrade
Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, senior vice president for access network development at e& UAE, highlighted the broader impact of the upgrade.
He said the move strengthens the operator’s 5.5G network by delivering sustained multi-gigabit speeds and significantly increasing nationwide capacity.
The focus remains on consistency, not just headline-grabbing peak numbers.
VoNR Support and Smarter Use of 4G Spectrum
The upgrade brings additional long-term benefits.
Voice over New Radio (VoNR)
The enhanced network supports VoNR services, enabling clearer voice calls directly over 5G without falling back to older technologies.
Refarming 4G Spectrum
e& also plans to repurpose existing 4G spectrum for 5G use, improving efficiency and extending the lifespan of current network assets.
This strategy helps future-proof the network while maintaining service quality.
Building on Recent 5G Milestones
This announcement follows other recent achievements by e&.
The operator previously recorded uplink speeds of up to 600 Mbps on its live 5G network, showcasing strong progress in both download and upload performance.
e& continues to collaborate with global technology partners and smartphone manufacturers to expand support for 5.5G-Advanced features across more devices in the coming years.
What This Means for UAE Mobile Users
This upgrade marks a clear shift toward faster, smarter, and more resilient mobile connectivity in the UAE.
Users benefit from:
- Higher speeds in crowded locations
- Better streaming and gaming experiences
- Future-ready network capabilities
As coverage expands and more devices gain support, four-carrier aggregation will quietly power the next phase of mobile life in the UAE — faster, smoother, and built for what comes next.
FAQ: e& UAE 5.5G Four-Carrier Aggregation Explained
e& UAE’s four-carrier aggregation lets your smartphone connect to four network channels at once on the 5.5G network. This setup delivers faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better performance in busy areas like malls or stadiums. If your device supports 5.5G, you may notice quicker speeds without changing your plan.
You do not always need a new phone. e& UAE enabled four-carrier aggregation on several commercially available smartphones that already support 5.5G. Check your device specifications or software updates to confirm compatibility and unlock the full benefit of the upgraded network.
On supported devices, e& UAE’s 5.5G network can reach peak download speeds of over 4 gigabits per second. Real-world speeds vary by location and network load, but users should see more consistent performance, especially in crowded places.
e& UAE has already activated four-carrier aggregation in select areas across the UAE. The company plans a wider rollout from 2026 onwards, so coverage will expand as more locations and devices support 5.5G-Advanced features.
Reference:
