du predicted the first trials of 5G technology could begin in 2018 as part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) operator's goal of commercialising the technology from 2020 onwards.
In a 5G-focussed event held in Dubai, the operator said that 5G should be viewed as the overall future solution for providing next generation services for people and devices. The operator predicted that 5G networks would have the ability to support a large number of connected devices, provide always-on web connections, focus on optimising energy efficiency, and support flexible air interfaces.
The operator's event, named the Telecom Knowledge Series, followed approval by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of a du paper on 5G standardisation, which outlined the basic and most important elements required to move towards a 5G world.
Saleem AlBlooshi, du's EVP of Network Development and Operations, said du has already taken a significant step towards 5G with the recent launch of an LTE-Advanced network in the UAE.
"We are proud of our successful contribution to the ITU Study Group…and we believe that it cements our objective to be the first in market for pioneering technologies that pave the way towards a 5G future," AlBlooshi commented.
du's Telekom Knowledge Series session on 5G was run to "highlight the unique nature of 5G technology, the evolution from 4G to 5G networks, and the future of the 5G ecosystem and its requirements," AlBlooshi noted, adding that the session "gave an overview of the future stages of 5G leading to its projected launch."
The Dubai-based operator in January claimed to be the first in the Middle East to trial LTE Broadband Trunking, which the operator said will be a key technology in enabling enterprises and government departments to access "futuristic" connectivity services.
For more:
- see this du announcement
Related articles:
Cambridge Wireless says full duplex transceiver will boost global LTE handsets, 5G networks
TRA: Etisalat trumps UAE rival du in mobile data rates
du claims Middle East first with trial of LTE Broadband Trunking
Etisalat first in Egypt with Ericsson indoor coverage kit
du seals UAE smart city contract, as it claims worlds fastest LTE-A throughput