du, Nokia Drive First LTE-Advanced deployment in UAE

Driving next generation connectivity, Nokia Networks has enabled du, the Middle East's fastest growing telecommunications service provider, to launch the first LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) services in the UAE.

For launching LTE-A services on its 4G network, du used Nokia Networks' advanced radio platform Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station, carrier aggregation software, and professional services, combining FDD-LTE bands 1800 MHz and 800 MHz.

Combining the wide coverage of a low band with the capacity of a high band provides the most efficient use of frequencies and superb coverage indoors and outdoors - allowing higher performance everywhere with peak data speed of up to 225 Mbps for customers.

Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President, Network Development and Operations, du, said: "This milestone underscores our global standing as a frontrunner in introducing latest mobile broadband technologies in the UAE. We timed it with the availability of CAT-6 smartphones* in the UAE, so that our customers can immediately enjoy higher download speeds with increased throughput and coverage. In addition, with this achievement we will be able to help the government realize its Smart City vision."

Tony Awad, Head of du Customer Team at Nokia Networks, said: "This feat is a great example of how we help ambitious telecom service providers such as du address the ever-increasing demand for faster data speeds by taking advantage of existing spectrum. Our carrier aggregation solution helps du's customers access wireless next generation data services across the UAE."