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Enhancing Connectivity: Telecom Review Group Accelerates 10G Journey with U6GHz

The Telecom Review Leaders' Summit took place over two days, from October 20 to 21, 2026, at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton, located in Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence. This significant event gathered industry leaders to discuss the potential of U6GHz frequency spectrum and 5G-Advanced in accelerating the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' connectivity towards 10 Gbps.

A Dynamic Forum for Discussion

Under the guidance of Issam Eid, Group CMO and Partner at the Telecom Review Group, the panel featured notable experts including Dr. Bilel Jamoussi from the ITU, Jawad Abbassi from GSMA, and executives from prominent telecommunications companies like du and etisalat, as well as representatives from Huawei and Ericsson. Together, they explored key frequency policies that lay the groundwork for the UAE's ambition to enhance connectivity.

Frequency Policies: A Critical Foundation

The advancement made by the UAE in commercializing U6GHz is reflective of a well-thought-out frequency policy and regulatory coordination. Engineer Saif Bin Ghalita outlined the country's frequency roadmap, which includes the allocation of 500 MHz in the 6GHz band for indoor WLAN back in 2020, and later, the allocation of an additional 700 MHz ranging from 6.425 to 7.125 GHz for International Mobile Telecommunications in the National Frequency Plan 2024. These steps have paved the way for commercial deployment of U6GHz networks by carriers like etisalat and du.

The critical role of regulatory bodies extends beyond mere frequency allocation, as they must also address device compatibility and manage interference. Bin Ghalita pointed out that the investment continuity and partnership collaborations must evolve to deliver societal benefits.

The Global Perspective on U6GHz

The GSMA has indicated a growing momentum for U6GHz usage, with more than 80% of the global population now covered by countries supporting mobile use of this frequency band. Additionally, over 60 actors in the mobile ecosystem back widespread deployment. Abbassi emphasized the value of promoting frequency use while recognizing licensed U6GHz development's economic potential, a strategy that he estimates offers seven times the economic benefit compared to maintaining operations in unlicensed bands.

A unanimous warning echoed through the discussions, citing that differing national approaches could lead to fragmentation of device and network ecosystems, ultimately raising costs. Dr. Jamoussi reiterated that international harmonization is essential for making advanced connectivity both affordable and interoperable.

Turning Potential into Reality

The vast bandwidth offered by the U6GHz frequency allows for remarkable improvements in peak data rates. Du managed to showcase a peak data rate of 10 Gbps during a 5G-Advanced demonstration by blending U6GHz and Sub-3GHz frequencies. Dr. Sherif from du characterized this milestone as an essential achievement for the UAE's telecom ecosystem, especially since 5G-Advanced serves as a transition point to 6G. Many valuable insights can be factored into the push for 6G commercialization.

Steven Liu expressed optimism regarding Fixed Wireless Access, mobile broadband, and AI-driven services as key application areas. He noted U6GHz's potential to push faster broadband services for households and complex mobile applications, although actual performance will depend on network configurations and deployment conditions. Liu underscored that U6GHz can bring innovative services and enhance user experiences.

Dr. Elnashar stressed new offerings for businesses and AI-driven consumer applications, commencing the journey with the UAE's first U6GHz prototype two or three years ago. Following successful tests showcasing 10 Gbps in both downlink and uplink, he confirmed the significant closing of the gap between wireless and fiber technologies.

Omar Samman pointed out the surging need for uplink capacity and low latency due to AI applications, indicating such growth is already occurring, driven by AI-based software for radio access networks.

Celebrating Achievements and the Path Forward

Following the panel discussions, Allen Tang from Huawei and Toni Eid, Founder of the Telecom Review Group, convened to formally celebrate the commercial launch of U6GHz technology, thus marking a pivotal step in the UAE’s technology implementation journey from frequency planning to commercial rollout.

This landmark event accentuates the region's intensified pursuit toward a 10 Gbps society, though actualization of this vision hinges on creating a converged infrastructure, harmonizing standards, verifying device readiness, and securing sustained investments. The effectiveness of the GCC in transforming the potential of U6GHz into tangible connectivity will lay the foundation for the transition to 6G.