MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (ABU DHABI)
The Global System of Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), the international body representing telecom operators and organistaions, has welcomed the launch of the UAE’s strategic framework to further the advancement of the sixth generation of mobile networks.
In April, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) unveiled a comprehensive plan for the advancement of 6G technology called “International Mobile Telecommunications’ technology” (IMT-2030).
“To get the full value from 6G, it’s important that countries start to plan the roadmap, participate in the international regulatory process and work with the mobile industry,” Jawad Abbassi, Head of the MENA region at GSMA, told Aletihad.
“The GSMA and our members are at the early stages of working with standards bodies, such as the ITU and 3GPP, to discuss and help define what is needed from future 6G networks and technologies. This process will take time and, in the meantime, the key focus will remain on accelerating 5G accessibility and uptake, and the societal and economic benefits it delivers,” he added.
The UAE became the fourth country in the world to deploy 5G technology in 2018, and has continued to evolve the network technology ever since, with the current strategic plan bridging the gaps to 6G.
The TDRA Director-General, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, said at the time of the launch that the UAE’s roadmap “aims for 6G to echo the successes of the previous generations of telecommunications, because of which, our country was consistently in a leading position, and inspired numerous others”.
The 6G Roadmap is in line with the futuristic directives of the UAE and it perfectly aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 and the “We the UAE 2031” vision, H.E. Al Mesmar said at the time.
Abbassi also elaborated on the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in boosting the non-oil economy.
“By offering unprecedented data speeds, ultra-low latency, and increased connectivity, 6G networks can empower AI-driven applications and services across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation and smart cities,” Abbassi said.
He added that with the unparalleled connectivity and advanced capabilities, 6G technology has the potential to revolutionise communication, enable immersive experiences, and drive innovation across various sectors.
“Though in the nearer future, we will see the journey to 6G bridged by 5G-Advanced technology, also known as 5.5G. This is the second phase of the 3GPP 5G standardisation process and will bring a new wave of wireless innovations that will push technology boundaries and deliver on 5G’s promise,” Abbassi said.
At the launch of the roadmap, the establishment of a committee, helmed by Khalifa University, was also announced. The committee’s membership will include manufacturers, operators, and the TDRA, with a mandate to conduct research and develop the technical standards and specifications needed to drive 6G forward.
The roadmap also outlines 6G experiments and plans for strategic partnerships among industrial, academic, and government entities. The TDRA will provide the necessary frequencies and regulatory frameworks for the experiments.
According to the TDRA, the roadmap is also in alignment with global sustainability goals, with the ultimate objective being to create a comprehensive, digitally integrated, and interconnected way of life in the years ahead.