UAE Private IMT Networks: TDRA Opens Consultation

UAE: TDRA Opens Consultation on the Private IMT Networks Enablement Framework

The UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has opened a public consultation on a draft Private IMT Networks Enablement Framework, setting out how private 4G and 5G (IMT) networks would be authorised and how spectrum would be assigned for them across the Emirates. The consultation opened on 23 July 2026 and closes for stakeholder comments on 31 July 2026 a short window that, at the time of writing, leaves effectively one working day for responses to reach TDRA.

This is a consultation on a proposed framework, not an adopted regulation. Nothing in the draft changes existing type approval or equipment certification obligations today. What is at stake is the future authorisation model, spectrum allocation, and technical conditions for private cellular networks the ground rules that manufacturers, integrators, and enterprise deployers of private network equipment will operate under once the framework is finalised.

Regulatory context: what TDRA is proposing

The draft framework is aimed at enabling private IMT networks to support Industry 4.0 and digital transformation across sectors that increasingly depend on deterministic, high reliability wireless connectivity manufacturing, energy, logistics, transport, mining, ports, and smart infrastructure. Rather than treating private cellular as an edge case of public mobile licensing, the framework proposes a dedicated enablement structure for it.

Two features of the draft are worth reading closely:

Two deployment routes. The framework proposes that a private IMT network may be deployed either (a) by a licensed mobile operator delivering the network as a service to an enterprise, or (b) directly by an enterprise itself, subject to TDRA authorisation. The second route is the more consequential one: it opens the door to enterprise-held authorisations rather than requiring every private network to sit behind an operator's public licence. That distinction shapes who holds the regulatory relationship with TDRA, who is accountable for compliance, and how equipment is procured and commissioned.

Dedicated spectrum. The draft proposes assigning spectrum for private IMT use in the 3.8–4.2 GHz band and the 24.25–25.5 GHz band, alongside technical and authorisation requirements for deployments. The lower band sits in the extended C-band internationally, the 3.8–4.2 GHz range is a common choice for local and private 5G licensing rather than nationwide mobile networks. The upper band falls within the 26 GHz mmWave range used for high capacity, short range coverage, well suited to dense industrial sites, ports, and campus environments.

Because these are proposed allocations under consultation, band edges, channelisation, power limits, and coordination conditions could all change before the framework is finalised. Manufacturers should treat the bands as a planning signal, not a settled parameter.

Scope of the UAE Private IMT Networks framework

It is important to be precise about what this framework does and does not cover, because the two are easily conflated.

The framework governs network deployment: who may operate a private IMT network, under what authorisation, in which bands, and under which technical conditions. It is a spectrum and authorisation instrument.

It does not create a new device type approval regime. Radio equipment placed on the UAE market or put into service in a private IMT network would still be subject to TDRA's existing type-approval and equipment registration requirements. The framework's relevance to equipment is indirect but real: by defining the permitted bands and technical conditions, it determines which radio configurations will ultimately need to be type-approved and supported for the UAE market.

This is also a distinct instrument from TDRA's earlier 2024 consultation on the potential deployment of private 5G networks, which was an exploratory study. The 2026 framework is broader in name (private IMT, covering 4G and 5G) and more concrete in intent, moving from "should we?" toward "how?".

What this means for manufacturers

1. No immediate action on certification is required, but the planning horizon has started. The framework does not change what you must certify today. It does begin to fix the bands and technical conditions that private network equipment will need to support for the UAE, so band roadmaps and radio SKUs for the region should be reviewed against 3.8–4.2 GHz and 24.25–25.5 GHz.

2. Enterprise direct authorisation reshapes the customer. If TDRA adopts the enterprise held authorisation route, your buyer may increasingly be an end user enterprise (a port authority, a utility, a manufacturer) holding its own TDRA authorisation, not only a licensed operator. That affects sales channels, integration support, and the compliance documentation your customers will expect you to supply.

3. Band support is a competitive variable. Extended C-band (3.8–4.2 GHz) and 26 GHz mmWave (24.25–25.5 GHz) support is not universal across private network radio portfolios. Vendors whose equipment already covers these ranges will be better positioned the moment the framework is finalised.

4. This is the window to influence technical conditions. Power limits, coordination rules, synchronisation requirements, and channel arrangements are still open. Manufacturers and integrators with a stake in the technical parameters can still submit comments but only until the closing date.

5. Track the final framework, not just the draft. The parameters that matter for product planning will be those in the published framework. Treat the current draft as directional and revisit it once TDRA issues the final text.

   
   

Certification impact summary

Area	Status under this consultation	Impact on manufacturers
Device type approval / equipment registration	No change. Existing TDRA type-approval requirements continue to apply.	None today; the draft creates no new device-certification obligation.
Permitted spectrum bands for private IMT	Proposed: 3.8–4.2 GHz and 24.25–25.5 GHz (draft, subject to change).	Determines which radio configurations will need to be supported and type-approved for the UAE market once finalised.
Authorisation model	Proposed dual route: via licensed operator, or enterprise-direct with TDRA approval.	May shift the regulatory relationship and buyer toward end-user enterprises.
Technical & authorisation conditions	Under consultation; not finalised.	Power, coordination, and channelisation conditions still open to influence via comments.
Legal status	Draft framework, not an adopted regulation.	No compliance deadline yet; obligations depend on the final published framework.

Timeline and required actions

Date	Milestone	Required / recommended action	Status
23 July 2026	TDRA opens public consultation on the draft Private IMT Networks Enablement Framework	Review the draft against your UAE band roadmap and private-network portfolio	Confirmed
23–31 July 2026	Comment period open	Prepare and submit stakeholder comments to TDRA (via the consultation channel / spectrum consultation contact)	Open closes imminently
31 July 2026	Comment deadline	Final day to submit feedback	Confirmed, closing date
After 31 July 2026	TDRA reviews stakeholder comments	Monitor for the final framework; no submission possible after this point	Pending
To be announced	Publication of the final framework	Re-assess product roadmaps and authorisation strategy against the finalised bands and conditions	Not yet announced