Nokia, e& and MediaTek achieve multi-gigabit speeds with six-component carrier aggregation

·         First use of 400 MHz mid-band spectrum in the region on e&’s commercial network

·         Enables e& UAE to maximize existing spectrum assets and strengthen its position as the world’s fastest mobile network

·         Powered by Nokia’s Massive MIMO radios and baseband solutions, validated end-to-end with MediaTek’s flagship 5G device

Nokia, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecommunications arm of e& in the UAE, and MediaTek, today announced the Middle East’s first successful demonstration of six-component carrier (6CC) aggregation in 5G Standalone (SA).

The trial combined 400 MHz of e& UAE’s 5G mid-band spectrum, unlocking multi-gigabit peak throughput rates that would allow subscribers to download UHD movies in seconds. For e& UAE, the milestone further solidifies its position as the world’s fastest mobile network while future-proofing radio access network investments.

The trial utilized e& UAE’s commercial spectrum across 3.5 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 1.8 GHz bands and delivered a throughput of 5.8 Gbps.

Nokia supplied its latest high-capacity equipment from the AirScale portfolio, including Habrok 64 Massive MIMO radios, dual-band radios, baseband solutions and carrier aggregation software. MediaTek provided a prototype smartphone powered by its flagship 5G chipset, which supports 6CC carrier aggregation.

Mark Atkinson, Senior Vice President and Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, said: “Together with our long-standing partners, e& and MediaTek, Nokia is once again pushing the limits of technology by aggregating six mid-band component carriers.

Our industry-leading carrier aggregation solutions help maximize 5G performance with existing spectrum assets, paving the path to Advanced 5G. Multi-gigabit speeds are a true game-changer for end-user experience in the UAE’s competitive market for both consumers and enterprises.”

 Abdulrahman Al Humaidan – Vice President Access Network at e& UAE, said:
“Aggregating six mid-band carriers lets us squeeze every bit of performance out of the spectrum that we have available for 5G.

This breakthrough shows that 5G Advanced isn’t a distant vision, but a concrete enabler for multi-gigabit speeds across the UAE without waiting for new frequencies. Working with Nokia and MediaTek, we now have a clear blueprint for scaling this capability nationwide.”

He added: “5G is redefining what’s possible — from ultra-fast downloads to real-time connectivity that powers everything from mobile streaming to smart cities. At e&, we’re pushing the boundaries of 5G performance to ensure people across the country experience the full potential of next-generation speed and reliability. This isn’t just about faster connections — it’s about enabling the UAE’s digital future.”

Nokia and e& UAE are paving the way for future enhancements to 5G networks by providing the critical technology foundation that supports the growing demand for data and digital services in the region.

HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek said: “Successfully completing the 6CC carrier aggregation trial in partnership with e& and Nokia marks a significant leap forward in 5G technology advancement.

This achievement, conducted on our new M90 modem platform, underscores MediaTek’s commitment to pushing download speeds, enhancing network performance, and delivering unparalleled connectivity.”