By Spy Uganda Correspondent
DUBAI: Inline with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)’s vision to enhance the regional and global leadership of the United Arab Emirates in the field of communications and information technology, the country’s regulatory authority has designated an additional 500 MHz radio spectrum of 6 GHz band (specifically 5925-6425 MHz) to Wi-Fi for indoor use at an EIRP of 250 mW underclass authorization.
READ ALSO: Huawei Introduces Key Architecture Index To Boost 5G Network Acceleration
As a regional leader in ICT, the UAE’s TRA is one of the world’s most forward-looking regulators. With this latest addition, the UAE has become the first country in the MENA region to release additional 500 MHz of radio spectrum frequency in the 6 GHz band to the total spectrum of approximately 11.5 GHz (in 2.4, 5, 5.8 & 60 GHz bands) already available for Wi-Fi. This will significantly boost the speed of indoor wireless networks in the UAE, helping to keep up with the increasing use of wireless services by individuals, companies and different business sectors for day-to-day activities, and to accommodate new applications which drive demand for faster speeds and greater reliability.
Interestingly 99% of homes in the UAE have internet access as per ITU database published in June 2020, and Wi-Fi plays an essential role in providing connectivity between users’ routers and the increasing number of wireless-enabled consumer electronics devices in their homes including TVs, smart appliances, games consoles, and portable/mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, remote controllers, 3D visors, laptops etc.
The latest (Wi-Fi) standard promises theoretical peak data speeds of 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second), as well as better management of spectrum in congested environments, faster latency, improved power efficiency and various other changes.
Commenting on this decision, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Head of the UAE Digital Government and TRA Director-General, said: “The COVID-19 current situation has stressed the importance of having reliable Wi-Fi systems in our homes. This reliability on Wi-Fi networks has been driven by the increasing demand of internet use in remote-working, education and data-intensive activities such as multimedia streaming on multiple devices at the same time.”
H.E. Al Mansoori highlighted that the UAE always endeavours to strengthen the telecommunications infrastructure and the efficiency of its national resources. He added: “We look forward towards satisfying the UAE society and businesses’ increasing expectations of Wi-Fi networks. We will ensure optimal use of the spectrum while encouraging innovation and investment in Wi-Fi, and other wireless technologies”.
In its endeavour to contribute towards the “Digital UAE”, the TRA prepared a Spectrum Outlook for the period 2020–2025, which overlays the roadmap for making the available spectrum resources for different emerging wireless technologies. The decision to increase the radio spectrum is aligned with the ‘Outlook’ and as a result of engaging all stakeholders in the decision making through a public consultation process.
About TRA
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established according to the UAE Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003 – Telecom Law. TRA is responsible for the management of every aspect of the telecommunications and information technology industries in the UAE. Despite its relatively short life-span, TRA has exceeded expectations by achieving its projected goals in a record time.
TRA derives the objectives from the Telecom Law, its executive order and the national telecom policy. These goals ensure secure communications services throughout the State, and delivery of improved services, including quality and diversity. It also ensures the quality of services in conformity with the terms of the license by the licensor, and the promotion of telecommunications services and information technology in the state.
The TRA is responsible for the establishment of training institutions relevant to the sector, as well as to find solutions to disputes that may arise between the licensed operators. It also establishes and implements a framework for policies and regulations. Apart from promoting modern technology, TRA contributes to the development of human resources in the state and promotes research and development, to guarantee the United Arab Emirates a regional role of an advanced leadership in the field of telecommunications and information technology.
