Telecom Review Leaders' Summit Announces World's First 5G-A Region
Dubai, Monday, 16 December 2024.
The 5G-Advanced region launch aims to transform mobile AI applications, setting new standards for connectivity and smart city infrastructure.
Historic Announcement at Dubai Summit
On December 14, 2024, the 18th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit made history by announcing the world’s first 5G-Advanced (5G-A) region [1]. The groundbreaking initiative, unveiled during a high-profile panel discussion, brought together industry leaders from major telecommunications companies and regulatory bodies to chart the course for the mobile AI era [1][2]. The summit, featuring experts from GSMA, TDRA UAE, and leading telecom operators, highlighted unprecedented achievements, including du’s remarkable 99% outdoor 5G coverage in the UAE [2].
Technical Breakthroughs and Innovation
The region’s 5G-A capabilities have already demonstrated impressive technical milestones. Dr. Elnashar of e& reported groundbreaking speeds of 62 Gbps and the implementation of over 1,000 AI-powered use cases enhancing network operations [2]. This advancement builds upon earlier achievements, such as du’s establishment of the Middle East’s first indoor 5G-A network in September 2024 [3]. The technology promises to deliver higher mobile bandwidth, lower latency, and greater reliability, essential for applications ranging from ultra-intelligent vehicles to AI-generated content [3].
Regional Leadership and Infrastructure
The UAE has positioned itself at the forefront of this technological revolution, with the recent inauguration of the 5G-A Innovation Center at du’s Dubai headquarters on November 27, 2024 [3]. The initiative is supported by comprehensive infrastructure development, with du implementing a nationwide 5G-A network deployment aimed at establishing thousands of sites by the end of 2024 [3]. This ambitious rollout follows the completion of work on 3GPP Release 18 in 2024, which established standardized 5G-A specifications for equipment vendors [3].
Future Impact and Global Collaboration
The establishment of the world’s first 5G-A region marks the beginning of a new era in telecommunications. As emphasized by Toni Eid, Founder of Telecom Review Group, ‘With concerted efforts, the vision of a 10-Giga society and beyond can become a reality’ [1]. The initiative has already sparked global interest, with organizations like GTI launching collaborative programs to explore synergies between 5G-A and AI technologies [4]. This development is expected to accelerate the adoption of smart city solutions and drive innovation across various sectors, from autonomous vehicles to industrial automation [2][3].