The 2G network in the UAE will be decommissioned at the end of 2022, informed the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) and stressed that sufficient support will be extended by the UAE service providers to any groups that may be affected by this shutdown.
The Authority aims to direct more of its resources in its 5G networks with UAE being the fourth country in the world to launch this latest among the mobile networks.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori Director-General – TRA
“The ICT sector is one of the most developed sectors in recent decades. We have witnessed the level of development in mobile networks where generations have progressed from the first to the fifth generation that many countries in the world have begun to implement on the ground, with the UAE in the forefront, as the first in the Arab region and the fourth in the world in the launch and use of 5G, according to the Global Communication Index. Thus, it is highly important for telecom service providers to stop operating less effective networks to allow the operation and activation of the latest and most effective networks.”
“Mobile technology is one of the main drivers of innovation in the business world, and telecom companies must constantly develop their networks to keep pace with the rapid and continuous developments in the telecom sector. Today, we are on the threshold of a new era characterized by comprehensive digital transformation, Internet of Things and smart city, where a faster, stronger and more capable network is needed to withstand the communication between vast numbers of devices”, Mr. Mansoori added.
UAE, which is the forerunner of the world in many sectors including technological advancements has been continuously putting efforts to ensure that its digital transformation, artificial intelligence and fourth industrial revolution is powered by the 5G technology.
The 2G network which is based on the GSM platform was introduced in the UAE in 1994 and still functions efficiently. But as in all technologies, new upgrades and efficiency replace the older ones.
