Nokia, e& UAE, and MediaTek Achieve Landmark 5G Speed Record in Middle East

In a groundbreaking achievement for telecommunications in the Middle East, Nokia, e& UAE, and MediaTek have successfully demonstrated a new speed record in 5G technology. This significant milestone was announced on June 26, 2025, and marks the first successful implementation of six-component carrier (6CC) aggregation in a 5G Standalone (SA) environment. The trial, conducted in the UAE, utilized e& UAE’s extensive mid-band spectrum and showcased peak throughput rates reaching 5.8 Gbps, allowing users to download ultra-high-definition (UHD) movies in mere seconds.

Nokia, a leading global technology company, collaborated with e& UAE, the telecommunications arm of Emirates Telecommunications Group, and MediaTek, a prominent semiconductor company. The trial leveraged a combination of 400 MHz of spectrum across multiple frequency bands, including 3.5 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 1.8 GHz. This innovative approach not only enhances user experience but also positions e& UAE as the world’s fastest mobile network amidst growing competition in the telecommunications sector.

According to Mark Atkinson, Senior Vice President and Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, "Together with our long-standing partners, e& and MediaTek, Nokia is once again pushing the limits of technology by aggregating six mid-band component carriers. Our industry-leading carrier aggregation solutions help maximize 5G performance with existing spectrum assets, paving the path to Advanced 5G. Multi-gigabit speeds are a true game-changer for end-user experience in the UAE’s competitive market for both consumers and enterprises." This assertion is supported by the technical advancements made possible through Nokia's AirScale portfolio, including Habrok 64 Massive MIMO radios and carrier aggregation software.

Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, Vice President of Access Network at e& UAE, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "Aggregating six mid-band carriers lets us squeeze every bit of performance out of the spectrum that we have available for 5G. This breakthrough shows that 5G Advanced isn’t a distant vision, but a concrete enabler for multi-gigabit speeds across the UAE without waiting for new frequencies. Working with Nokia and MediaTek, we now have a clear blueprint for scaling this capability nationwide. 5G is redefining what’s possible—from ultra-fast downloads to real-time connectivity that powers everything from mobile streaming to smart cities."

The technical success of this trial is further underscored by statements from HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek, who noted, "Successfully completing the 6CC carrier aggregation trial in partnership with e& and Nokia marks a significant leap forward in 5G technology advancement. This achievement, conducted on our new M90 modem platform, underscores MediaTek's commitment to pushing download speeds, enhancing network performance, and delivering unparalleled connectivity."

This collaboration not only highlights the technical prowess of the involved companies but also reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry where firms are racing to enhance network capabilities in response to increasing data demands from consumers and businesses alike. As global reliance on digital services escalates, this record-setting development could serve as a blueprint for similar advancements in 5G technology across other regions.

The implications of such advancements are extensive, suggesting not only increased consumer satisfaction but also potential economic benefits as businesses leverage enhanced connectivity to innovate and streamline operations. The UAE's commitment to leading in 5G technology might influence neighboring countries to accelerate their own telecommunications advancements, further shaping the future landscape of digital connectivity in the Middle East and beyond.