Earlier this year, du announced its 5G-Advanced strategy, with a goal of achieving nationwide coverage across the UAE by 2026. In September, du deployed the first indoor 5G-Advanced network in the Middle East using Huawei’s LampSite X Digital Indoor Solution, delivering peak data rates of more than 5Gbps. This will improve connectivity in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings.
Looking forward, du’s 5G-Advanced strategy includes upgrading networks, integrating new technologies like AI and edge computing, collaborating with industries and tech companies, and optimizing spectrum usage. These initiatives aim to unlock the full potential of 5G for both consumer and enterprise applications, while also focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency.
du Pay and the Impact of 5G-Advanced on Fintech
du’s mobile payment service, du Pay, supports the UAE’s transition to a cashless economy by offering services such as international money transfers, peer-to-peer transactions, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and salary deposits. The app is inclusive, supporting multiple languages to cater to the UAE’s diverse population.
With 5G-Advanced, the service will be further enhanced. In high-frequency trading and crypto markets, 5G-A’s ultra-low latency will enable real-time updates, data feeds, and faster transactions, providing a competitive edge. Additionally, 5G-A’s ability to support a higher number of devices will boost fintech operations by integrating IoT devices like smartwatches, POS terminals, and connected homes with digital financial ecosystems.
Next-Generation Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
du is advancing its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to provide instant, high-speed broadband service to homes. The new FWA solutions offer three streams:
- FWA Pro will support high-speed services up to 1Gbps, including 8K video, cloud gaming, and Extended Reality (XR). In collaboration with Huawei, du launched the world’s first “5.5G Villa,” using FWA Pro for immersive broadband experiences.
- FWA Lite is a cost-effective solution aimed at low-speed broadband users and expanding 5G network coverage, especially for unconnected individuals and 4G users.
- FWA Biz focuses on enterprise users, offering reliable services tailored for businesses.
Gaming and Differentiated User Experiences
du has recently launched gaming services for its 5G Home subscribers, offering low-latency, high-speed connections. The response from the market has been highly positive. With its 5G-Advanced network powered by AI, du ensures a seamless gaming experience, even during peak network traffic, allowing subscribers to enjoy professional-grade gaming connectivity.
5G-Advanced for B2B Services
In addition to consumer-focused services, du is rolling out 5G-Advanced for the enterprise (B2B) segment. This includes private line solutions and SLA-based services, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, power generation, and enterprise sectors, where reliability is critical. du’s advanced 5G-A network will meet the growing demand for services like CCTV and secure, guaranteed network solutions in the B2B market.
With 5G-Advanced, du is setting the stage for widespread adoption of advanced connectivity solutions, transforming both the consumer and business landscapes in the UAE.