Network supplier Ericsson will invest tens of millions of euros in British research in 6G. The organization expects 6G networks to be commercially available by 2030.
Ericsson supplies 5G equipment to the UK’s largest mobile network operators. The Swedish organization recently announced a ten-year investment plan for British research into 6G. Ericsson provides tens of millions of euros to projects and researchers contributing to the next mobile network standard.
Catherine Ainley, Chief Executive Officer of Ericsson UK and Ireland, said partnerships with UK universities are central to the initiative. Ainley says that several UK universities are currently studying technologies that will support the network standard in the future.
“We will set up a team of 20 experienced researchers in the UK,” said the CEO. We also try to take care of the students. Our focus is on 6G networks and device security. ”
Ericsson has 17 research sites based in 12 countries. In 2021, the organization invests approximately 20 percent of its annual sales in research and development (R&D). Ericsson was one of the first providers of 5G network equipment. The organization plans to meet the demand for 6G as soon as possible.
The road to 6G
Mobile network standard development is a complex process. The actual standard consists of an overview of the conditions that must be met by the systems in order to facilitate connections. The final standard is set by a comprehensive organization.
The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) was the umbrella organization for second, third, fourth and fifth generation. The organization has worked around the world with universities, corporations and agencies to set standards. 3GPP is expected to play the same role for 6G.
6G development is still in its infancy. Universities, agencies and companies such as Ericsson are in the process of being explored. The parties are studying what they expect from 6G and are looking for ways to fulfill that expectation. At the moment, no one knows exactly what the standard will look like.
The role of the 3GPP will grow over time. Once the parties have developed concrete 6G technologies, the organization ensures that the work is monitored. The most promising technology ends up with the final criterion.
Ericsson wants to impress
By investing in research, Ericsson hopes to develop technologies that will be integrated into the standard. The greater the organization’s contribution to the 6G development process, the greater the organization’s influence on the final standard. The latter is a competitive advantage.
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