An unprecedented advance in antenna technology can enable the manipulation of all five fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves through software control, according to researchers at City University of Hong Kong.
Five nations have formed a global alliance, ambitiously named the Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT), a promising step towards international cooperation in the telecommunication arena. Set to modernize Open RAN, enhance 6G, and resolve security issues linked to China, this consolidates the efforts of five major entities across UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. The coalition aims to better integrate policy matters and drive growth within the industry. However, uncertainty looms over the form this alliance will take in future, prompting intense interest within the telecom sector.
Amid growing inflation and swelling telecom budgets, the advent of 6G brings in costly implications tied to Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment. As these financial implications loom, The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance proposes a different approach to 6G implementation that may spare existing 5G infrastructure from unnecessary renewal. They advocate an operator-driven decision process in refreshing the 5G RAN, maintaining that 6G upgrade should not compromise 5G user experience and should be software-upgradable on existing network elements. As 5G capex reaches its peak in markets like the U.S., NGMN’s stance could potentially redefine traditional strategies in introducing new generations of mobile technology.
In a groundbreaking advancement set to redefine 6G services, field experts are experimenting with brain-inspired computing. Noted engineers from King’s College London and Princeton are spearheading a project aiming to enhance the integration of AI in wireless communications systems. This strategic initiative, fuelled by support from prominent bodies like the ESPRC and NSF, has the potential to reshape sectors such as mobile health care and robotics.
The GSMA and the European Space Agency are planning a collaboration to further integrate satellite and cellular technologies. This new alliance promises to bring non-terrestrial networking (NTN) into the market mainstream, a significant step, previously signaled by NTN’s inclusion in the 3GPP’s 5G standards. With eyes set for integration in future 6G networks, this collaborative endeavor aims to advance unique solutions for businesses and consumers. It’s an astounding opportunity that potentially could yield a high-growth market worth $18 billion between 2024 and 2031.
The US and India strengthen their strategic partnership, focusing on 6G research, Open RAN, and semiconductors, while collaborating on technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between industry, government, and academia.
As the EU deliberates banning “high-risk” companies from its 5G networks, Huawei receives €3.89 million in funding for research into 6G, AI, and cloud computing. With Germany’s position potentially sealing Huawei’s fate in Europe, the future remains uncertain.
The European Commission allocates $9.2 billion for R&D initiatives in telecoms and semiconductor sectors, targeting innovative microelectronics, 5G and 6G technologies. To support digital sovereignty goals, private investment of $15.5 billion and 56 companies are involved.
Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs collaborate to tackle high-frequency challenges in mobile technology, exploring the potential of D-band and E-band frequencies, dubbed “subterahertz,” for 6G applications such as augmented reality and autonomous transportation.
Dell invests €2 million in Ireland’s Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab, aiming to collaborate with EMEA telecom firms on 5G and 6G innovations, boosting smart manufacturing and digital cities while promoting opportunities in network infrastructure.