e& UAE has activated 1024QAM modulation across its commercial 5.5G network, reaching peak download speeds of 4.58 Gbps in what the company describes as the first deployment of the technology on an operational network in the Middle East. The milestone reflects the operator's continued investment in higher-capacity mobile infrastructure as telecom providers prepare for more demanding consumer and enterprise applications.
The demonstration was carried out using Huawei's newly launched Pura 90s smartphone, one of the first commercially available devices capable of supporting the higher-order modulation technology. The achievement was recorded on its existing commercial network rather than in a laboratory environment, highlighting progress toward real-world deployment of advanced 5G capabilities.
The latest announcement builds on a series of network upgrades introduced by e& over the past year, as operators worldwide continue expanding 5G-Advanced technologies before the industry's eventual transition toward 6G standards.
The Role of 1024QAM in Faster Mobile Networks
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) determines how much information can be transmitted within a radio signal. Increasing the modulation level allows more bits to be carried during each transmission cycle, improving spectral efficiency and enabling higher theoretical throughput when radio conditions are favorable.
Moving from lower modulation schemes to 1024QAM represents another incremental improvement in network efficiency rather than an entirely new generation of wireless technology. Achieving those gains depends on several conditions, including strong signal quality, compatible hardware and sufficient spectrum resources, meaning users are unlikely to experience maximum speeds under every circumstance.
The reported 4.58 Gbps peak speed therefore represents the upper capability demonstrated under controlled network conditions. Actual consumer performance varies depending on factors such as location, network congestion, device compatibility and signal strength, which is common across all commercial mobile networks.
Device Ecosystem Remains a Key Factor
Network upgrades alone are not sufficient to deliver next-generation performance. Mobile devices must also support the latest radio technologies before subscribers can benefit from higher modulation schemes and other advanced network features.
e& conducted its demonstration using Huawei's Pura 90s smartphone, which supports the required 5.5G capabilities. The company said collaboration between network operators and device manufacturers remains important as newer hardware gradually reaches consumers.
The availability of compatible smartphones will likely influence how quickly advanced 5G features become more widely accessible. As manufacturers release additional devices supporting 5G-Advanced technologies, operators are expected to expand deployment across broader portions of their networks.
Part of a Broader Network Strategy
The latest deployment follows several network milestones announced by e& during the past year. In December 2025, the operator introduced regional 4-carrier aggregation combining Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum on its commercial 5.5G network, reporting download speeds exceeding 4 Gbps on supported devices.
More recently, e& announced the deployment of 5.5G connectivity inside Ciel Dubai Marina, describing the project as supporting high-capacity indoor wireless coverage for hospitality and connected building services. The company has also outlined plans involving Upper 6GHz spectrum technologies as part of its longer-term network roadmap.
These announcements indicate an ongoing strategy focused on gradually increasing network capacity, improving efficiency and preparing infrastructure for future wireless standards rather than relying on a single technological breakthrough.
Industry Continues Shift Toward 5G-Advanced
Telecommunications companies globally are increasingly deploying technologies associated with 5G-Advanced, sometimes referred to as 5.5G, to improve network performance before sixth-generation mobile standards are finalized. Research organizations and industry groups generally view this phase as an evolutionary step that enhances existing 5G infrastructure through higher efficiency, improved latency and greater capacity.
Higher-order modulation is one component of that evolution. Combined with technologies such as carrier aggregation, advanced antenna systems and expanded spectrum usage, it can help networks accommodate increasing volumes of mobile traffic while supporting bandwidth-intensive services including cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, immersive media and industrial connectivity.
Although peak speeds often attract the most attention, improvements in network capacity, efficiency and reliability are just as important because they shape how consistently users experience faster connectivity in everyday conditions.
e&'s latest network milestone adds another example of how operators are incrementally advancing commercial mobile infrastructure ahead of broader 6G development. While the practical benefits for consumers will depend on compatible devices and continued network expansion, the deployment demonstrates how 5G-Advanced technologies are moving from technical demonstrations into operational commercial environments.
