Dubai: e& UAE has announced a major enhancement to its live 5.5G mobile network, becoming one of the first operators in the region to deploy four-carrier aggregation (4CA) on commercially available smartphones.
The upgrade significantly boosts mobile data speeds, network efficiency, and user experience by allowing devices to simultaneously connect to four different frequency carriers. This enables faster downloads, lower latency, and improved performance in high-traffic areas such as business districts, malls, and major transport hubs.
According to e& UAE, the rollout reinforces the country’s position as a global leader in next-generation connectivity, building on its early adoption of 5G and continued investments in advanced network technologies. The enhancement is already live across key locations and will expand nationwide in phases.
Four-carrier aggregation is a critical stepping stone toward 5.5G (also known as 5G-Advanced), which bridges today’s 5G networks and future 6G capabilities. It supports bandwidth-intensive applications such as cloud gaming, immersive extended reality (XR), AI-driven services, and ultra-high-definition video streaming.
Importantly, the technology has been deployed on commercial smartphones, meaning compatible consumer devices can immediately benefit without the need for specialised equipment. Industry analysts say this marks a shift from pilot testing to real-world adoption, accelerating the commercial impact of advanced mobile services.
“By activating four-carrier aggregation on our live 5.5G network, we are delivering tangible performance improvements to customers today while laying the groundwork for future digital services,” the operator said in a statement.
The UAE has consistently ranked among the world’s top markets for mobile speeds and 5G availability. Telecommunications experts say innovations such as 4CA strengthen the country’s readiness for smart cities, autonomous mobility, Industry 4.0, and next-generation enterprise solutions.
As demand for data continues to surge, operators are increasingly focused on enhancing spectrum efficiency and network intelligence. e& UAE’s latest upgrade reflects a broader industry trend toward unlocking more value from existing infrastructure while preparing for the next wave of connectivity.
