Regulatory Body

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the United Arab Emirates has issued this public consultation document regarding the establishment of a National Framework for Private Mobile Networks (IMT).

Proposed Regulatory Changes and Framework Overview

The TDRA is proposing a comprehensive regulatory basis, titled PRIMTE-UAE, to enable the deployment and operation of Private IMT Networks. These networks are defined as radio communication networks based on International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) technologies, dedicated to the restricted use of a specific entity or group within a defined geographic area.

Key components of the proposed framework include:

Deployment Models: Two primary models are proposed: an MNO-Led Model (licensed operators managing networks for enterprises) and an Enterprise-Led Model (entities directly authorized to deploy and manage their own networks).

Deployment Architectures: Support for both Standalone (fully isolated core and radio access) and Integrated (utilizing elements of public mobile network infrastructure) architectures.

Interconnection Restrictions: A strict prohibition on interconnecting private networks with any public telecommunications network, international carriers, or other private networks unless specifically directed by the TDRA.

Numbering and Identification: Implementation of a controlled approach for assigning Mobile Network Codes (MNCs) under the national Mobile Country Code (MCC) 424, or the use of non-geographic identifiers (MCC 999).

Permitted Radio Bands and Technical Parameters

The framework identifies specific spectrum tiers for private IMT use within two primary bands:

Mid-Band Spectrum: 3.8–4.2 GHz (3GPP Band n77)

Operator Tier (3800–4000 MHz): 200 MHz allocated for MNO-led deployments in 20 MHz blocks.

Enterprise Tier (4000–4100 MHz): 100 MHz dedicated to direct enterprise/government authorizations in 10 MHz blocks.

Technical Parameters: Maximum EIRP of 42 dBm per 20 MHz carrier; TDD duplexing; equipment must be 3GPP NR Band n77 conformant.

High-Band Spectrum: 24.25–25.5 GHz (3GPP Band n258)

Operator Tier (24.25–24.85 GHz): 600 MHz allocated for MNO-led deployments in 100 MHz blocks.

Enterprise Tier (24.85–25.25 GHz): 400 MHz dedicated to direct enterprise/government authorizations in 50 MHz blocks.

Technical Parameters: Maximum EIRP of 40 dBm per 200 MHz carrier; TDD duplexing; equipment must be 3GPP NR Band n258 conformant.

TDD Frame Structure

To support industrial use cases such as machine vision and sensor telemetry, the TDRA recommends an uplink-favored frame structure (DSUUU, ~1:3 DL:UL ratio) as the default for both the mid-band and millimeter-wave (mmWave) deployments.

Impact on Manufacturers and Stakeholders

The proposed framework introduces several requirements and considerations for radio device manufacturers and type approval applicants:

Device Compliance: All equipment must be strictly conformant with 3GPP NR specifications for Bands n77 and n258. Manufacturers must ensure devices support the recommended uplink-favored frame structures.

Synchronization Requirements: Base stations must support locking to common timing references such as GNSS (GPS, Galileo, BeiDou), PTP (IEEE 1588), or SyncE to maintain strict phase difference limits.

Out-of-Band Emissions: Stringent limits are proposed to protect adjacent services, including Earth Exploration Satellite Services (EESS) in the 23.6–24.0 GHz range.

Labeling and Authorization: Devices must comply with existing TDRA type approval regimes. Spectrum assignments will be geographically limited and time-bound, requiring manufacturers to provide technical documentation supporting specific site deployments.

Feedback and Deadlines

The TDRA is seeking industry feedback on 39 specific questions ranging from the definition of private networks to technical parameters and fee structures. While the framework is marked with a version date of April 2026, stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments through the TDRA's official online portal or designated communication channels in response to the public consultation notice. Specific deadlines for submission are typically specified in the formal announcement accompanying the consultation document.