Emirati telecom operator du has rolled out its 5G+ network upgrade, powered by 5G-Advanced architecture, claiming it can deliver up to twice the speed of current 5G services. The network promises lower latency, improved reliability, and enhanced performance for AI-driven apps, ultra-HD video streaming, mobile gaming, and augmented reality.
Unlike earlier 5G deployments, 5G+ operates independently of LTE infrastructure, requiring compatible devices and SIM cards. The upgrade also strengthens connectivity in crowded areas, enabling faster downloads and more stable performance for both personal and enterprise use.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: “With more customers using generative AI, 5G+ will provide enhanced network capabilities to improve experience and performance on AI-driven apps.”
The launch follows du’s August partnership with Huawei, deploying 64T64R Dual Band Active Antenna Units (AAUs) on the 3.7 GHz (N78) and 2.6 GHz (N41) bands. This configuration boosts capacity, extends coverage, and improves spectrum efficiency.
Technically, du’s 5G+ has achieved peak speeds of 5.4Gbps, with average data rates improving by up to 33%. The network also strengthens cell-edge performance and uplink speeds through Massive MIMO and spectrum aggregation.
Beyond speed, 5G+ enables intelligent automation, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), paving the way for next-generation AI tools, IoT, and Industry 4.0 applications in the UAE.
