UAE gives go-ahead to 800MHz LTE launch

In February 2015 mobile operators in the United Arab Emirates received authorisation from the regulator to launch commercial services in the 800MHz band. In coordination with local operators, the GSMA has provided extensive technical support to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to finalise band plans for both the 800MHz and 700MHz bands. Like in all other countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, careful planning is needed to ensure the frequency range used for mobile services in the 700MHz band does not prohibit use of the 800MHz band (3GPP band 20). TRA plans to use the lower portion of the 700MHz APT band plan (3GPP band 28) which will means it will be compatible with the growing low-cost 700MHz and 800MHz equipment markets.