Telecommunications
The UAE has a fast, efficient telecommunications network. Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is responsible for the management of every aspect of the telecommunications and information technologies in the UAE, as per Federal Law by Decree No. 3 of 2003 Regarding the Organization of Telecommunications Sector, as amended.
Two telecommunications operators, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du), are serving the UAE telecommunications sector. Both operators are licensed to provide public telecommunication services, which include landline, mobile phone, internet and satellite TV connections.
Other providers include:
- Nedaa is licensed to provide public access mobile radio services.
- Thuraya Telecommunications Company PrJSC is licensed to provide mobile communications by satellite in the UAE.
- Al Yah Satellite Communications Company is licensed to provide satellite and broadcasting satellite services in the UAE.
Useful links:
5G
TRA set a roadmap 2016-2020 to achieve ‘fifth generation’ (5G) deployments at the earliest. A Steering Committee was established, under which three sub-committees worked to facilitate the process along with all stakeholders.
According to telecom service provider Du, the ‘fifth generation’ (5G) or International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020) is the next generation of cellular network technology for mobile and fixed wireless applications. 5G is the evolution of 4G. It has an ability to manage huge capacities and to provide a faster, more reliable experience. As per technology company Cisco, 5G technology has a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gigabits per second (GBPS), while the peak speed of 4G is only 1GBPS.
As per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the fifth generation of mobile technologies is expected to connect people, things, data, applications, transport systems and cities in smart networked communication environments. It should be able to transport a huge amount of data much faster, reliably connect an extremely large number of devices and process very high volumes of data with a minimal delay.
When deployed, 5G networks should be able to deliver more speed and capacity to support massive machine-to-machine communications and provide low-latency (delay) and a high-reliability service for time-critical applications. Based on trials, 5G networks are starting to demonstrate high performance in different scenarios such as dense urban areas and indoor hotspots.
Related links
- 5G network - Etisalat
- 5G coverage across the UAE- Du
- Abu Dhabi ranks among top 3 fastest 5G capitals worldwide
- UAE among the world's fastest countries in deploying 5G networks
- 5G: What’s The Big Deal? - blog
- 5G basics - ITU
- Key features and requirements of 5G/IMT-2020 networks - ITU
- Introducing 5G - Etisalat
- UAE’s competitiveness and performance in international reports - FCSC
- UAE rankings
- The UAE is first in the Arab region and fourth globally in launching 5G -TDRA
Coverage of telecommunications services
Telecom services providers, Etisalat and Du provide interactive maps which enable consumers to obtain information about the actual coverage of telecommunications services in specific locations throughout the UAE.
Maps include information relating to:
- mobile coverage (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G)
- fiber coverage for fixed services
- Wi-Fi locations
- payment machines for telecom services
- location of telecom companies’ service centres.
Read more about service coverage interactive maps on the website of Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
‘Coverage’ initiative
Under the ‘coverage’ initiative, TDRA established an integrated centre which detects the quality of coverage of mobile networks in the UAE. Through field surveys, the centre tests, measures and analyses the quality of mobile operator networks and sends analytical reports to the telecom operators about vulnerabilities and improvement. Learn more about the ‘coverage’ initiative.
The UAE’s 6G roadmap
According to the UAE’s 6G roadmap, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) will introduce 6G with a suite of new capabilities, to support the use of artificial intelligence, network virtualisation, sensing and comprehensive coverage.
Advancements in 6G will enable innovative use cases, including the digital transmission of human senses with low latency and high accuracy. This technology is expected to enhance robotics and elevate artificial intelligence, revolutionising domains such as autonomous intelligent transportation systems and healthcare, with applications like remote surgery and diagnostics. The roadmap for 6G development includes plans for conducting experiments to advance the technology through collaborations with the industrial, academic and governmental sectors.
A committee will be established to conduct scientific studies, research and develop technical standards for 6G. This committee will share its findings on global platforms like International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and collaborate with international standards organisations (IEEE and 3GPP).
Khalifa University through its 6G Research Center (6GRC), will lead the committee in the UAE; the committee will include manufacturers, operators and TDRA as members. TDRA will facilitate these experiments by providing necessary frequencies and regulatory frameworks. The UAE's 6G roadmap aims to foster a comprehensive, digitally integrated and interconnected way of life in the years ahead. It aligns with global sustainability goals, by working towards the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption across diverse industries.
The current strategic plans include the ongoing development of the advanced 5G network (5.5G), with a targeted transition to 6G by 2030.
Read the report ‘6G Next Generation Connectivity in the UAE’ (PDF, 11.1 MB), issued by TDRA and Khalifa University.
‘Kashif’ - revealing the identity of the caller
‘Kashif’ is a feature by which the mobile phone will display the name/identity of the caller, even if the caller’s contact information is not saved on the phone of the call recipient. Mobile and landline numbers of companies registered as private are also displayed.
This feature aims to reduce the inconvenience caused by anonymous calls.
‘Kashif’ is implemented by Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), in coordination with the UAE’s telecom services providers, Etisalat and Du.
Read related news coverage on TDRA’s website.
‘Hesabati’
‘Hesabati’ (My account) is a digital feature that enables you to see all the mobile and fixed line phone numbers registered under your Emirates ID number, with the telecom services providers in the UAE.
The feature aims to provide clear information to telecom consumers regarding all their accounts with the service providers. It seeks to ensure that no SIM is registered under the user’s ID without his/her knowledge and reduce the complaints related to fraud and misuse of numbers.
‘Hesabati’ is accessible only to persons who hold an Emirates ID, and it is free of charge.
Log in to the TDRA’s website using UAEPass to access ‘Hesabati’.
Read more about ‘Hesabati’.
Law regulating telemarketing calls
Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024 Concerning the Telemarketing Regulations (1MB, PDF) aims to:
1. Organise the marketing of products or services through Telemarketing in order to maintain economic and social stability.
2. Ensure that companies comply with marketing channels and times for products or services provided by or through them.
3. Reduce unwanted Marketing Phone Calls to ensure Consumer comfort and avoid violating their privacy.
Further, Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2024 (1MB, PDF) provides administrative penalties to those violating the provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024 Concerning the Telemarketing Regulations.
Expenditures on ICT goods and services
Updated On :
29 Oct 2024
