EU SNS-JU allocates EUR 240 million for 2026-2027 research projects
EUROPE 19 DEC

EU SNS-JU allocates EUR 240 million for 2026-2027 research projects

The EU's Smart Networks and Services joint undertaking (SNS JU) has announced its two-year work programme for 2026-2027, including USD 240 million for research and innovation activities. About EUR 22 million will invested in five projects through its Research & Innovation Work Programme for 2026, with a further EUR 220 million distributed before end-2026 for the final cohort of R&I Work Programme projects, set for delivery in the following year. Next year's R&I slate will act as a bridge between previous wo

European 6G-XR project tests holographic calls and XR collaboration services
EUROPE 16 DEC

European 6G-XR project tests holographic calls and XR collaboration services

Researchers from Ericsson, the i2CAT Research Centre, Vicomtech and Capgemini have successfully demonstrated new capabilities in holographic communication and Extended Reality (XR) as part of the European 6G-XR research project. The partners validated two use cases that show how upcoming 6G networks can support high-performance immersive services, including real-time holograms powered by advanced edge computing.

Brazil announces new plan for mobile frequency auctions
BRAZIL 12 DEC

Brazil announces new plan for mobile frequency auctions

Brazilian telecom sector regulator Anatel announced a new plan for auctioning radio frequency bands for mobile services. In the short term (until 2026/2028), the regulator expects to offer frequencies in the 450 MHz, 850 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz (FDD), 3.5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 26 GHz bands. 

Arrcus and OpenGlobe to upgrade Brazil's research network for open RAN project
BRAZIL 12 DEC

Arrcus and OpenGlobe to upgrade Brazil's research network for open RAN project

Arrcus and OpenGlobe are partnering with Brazil's National Education and Research Network (RNP) on the OpenRAN@Brasil project. This collaboration aims to upgrade Brazil's digital infrastructure by implementing advanced, programmable networking. The project focuses on modernising the existing network architecture, introducing new protocols like SRv6, and promoting open ecosystems in IP networking, mobile core, and radio access networks (RAN).

Open Cosmos launches 6G research satellites
SPAIN 11 DEC

Open Cosmos launches 6G research satellites

European space infrastructure company Open Cosmos has announced the launch of two satellites aimed at advancing 6G and AI technologies for Earth observation and secure connectivity. The satellites, commissioned by the i2CAT Research Centre and funded by both the Spanish and Catalan governments, were launched on 28 November aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

NTT demonstrates first AlN-based mmWave transistor for post-5G use
JAPAN 10 DEC

NTT demonstrates first AlN-based mmWave transistor for post-5G use

NTT said it has achieved the first successful operation of aluminium nitride-based high-frequency transistors capable of amplifying signals in the millimetre-wave band. It said the development was a potential step towards higher-power radio-frequency components for post-5G networks, with applications in wireless and satellite communications. The operator said that its research resolves two longstanding barriers in high-Al-content AlN-based devices: high contact resistance at the electrode interface and high

GSMA report calls for restraint on European spectrum charges to unlock 5G standalone gains
EUROPE 9 DEC

GSMA report calls for restraint on European spectrum charges to unlock 5G standalone gains

New research from GSMA Intelligence highlights the mounting cost of European spectrum auctions, indicating that bid expenditures last year represented 8 percent of total operator revenues, up from 3 percent in 2014. GSMA Intelligence's report on European spectrum pricing and renewals reveals that regulators are charging significantly higher rates for spectrum licences compared with ten years ago. It points out that a "smarter approach to spectrum policy" could help accelerate 5G standalone rollouts, and mor

Taiwan launches Next-Generation Communications Industry Alliance
TAIWAN 3 DEC

Taiwan launches Next-Generation Communications Industry Alliance

The Taipei Computer Association (TCA) has announced the establishment of the Taiwan Next-Generation Communications Industry Alliance (TNGCA). This alliance, formed by over 50 companies and 30 individuals across telecommunications, manufacturing, and systems integration, will support Taiwan's strategic shift from a 5G participant to a major international competitor in 6G and non-terrestrial network technologies, particularly LEO satellites. This new alliance aims to develop 6G and satellite communications un

Oulu 6G testbed provides details of Nato-backed DIANA Challenge trials
EUROPE 3 DEC

Oulu 6G testbed provides details of Nato-backed DIANA Challenge trials

University of Oulu's 6G Test Centre announced four partner companies that participated in the Nato-sponsored DIANA Challenge programme to trial dual-use defence and industrial sector innovations. The four partner companies were named as Scaleout, Wayren, Microamp and Winse Power, while Finnish glass materials supplier Tambest was disclosed as a "direct ecosystem client".

EU-Korea project toward AI-native 6G releases first deliverables
EUROPE 3 DEC

EU-Korea project toward AI-native 6G releases first deliverables

The 6GArrow project, a joint European-Korean research initiative focused on developing AI-native and energy-aware 6G networks, has issued its first set of technical deliverables, marking the shift from planning to system development. The publications outline initial system architecture, device-level intelligence, and AI/ML-driven optimisation for radio access and core networks. They follow earlier methodology-focused reports and set out the project's first concrete research outputs.

Keysight joins 6G-Sandbox for two-day webinar event
EUROPE 28 NOV

Keysight joins 6G-Sandbox for two-day webinar event

6G-Sandbox, an experimentation platform funded by the EU's Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU), will next month join consortium member Keysight Technologies for a webinar event. Taking place on 10 and 11 December, the "6G-Sandbox Unveiled" webinar consists of two sessions spotlighting major breakthroughs since the project's 2023 inception, along with an overview of its plans heading into next year.

SNS-JU project 6G4Society prepares final seminar
EUROPE 27 NOV

SNS-JU project 6G4Society prepares final seminar

6G4Society, a research project founded under the EU Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking, is to hold its final seminar on 15 December. The group has aimed to provide a platform for 6G dialogue about social sustainability and how this dimension ties in with environmental and economic considerations. 6G4Society argues that regional authorities will make "strategic choices" in preparation for 6G's roll-out in the early 2030s, with Europe likely to prioritise sustainability as a "guiding principle" for

GERMANY 27 NOV

Deutsche Telekom-led '6G-Takeoff' project tests '3D network' connectivity

The 6G-TakeOff project, led by Deutsche Telekom and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, has successfully tested connectivity of base stations on airborne platforms and satellites with base stations on the ground. Deutsche Telekom said the project partners tested connectivity of 3D network elements within a unified 6G architecture. The results of the project feed into research for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) and will be an integral part of the process to standardise t

CANADA 26 NOV

Nokia unwraps plans for Ottawa R&D campus

Nokia has kicked off development at a planned R&D accelerator in Ottawa, Canada intended to drive sustainable AI, 6G and quantum tech advances. Situated in the centre of the Kanata North Tech Park in Ottawa, this 750,000 square feet site was selected as it is in the vicinity of existing design teams working on Nokia's product roadmap, in areas including 800G optics, quantum-safe networking, and data centre technology. The project has the support of the Canadian government, along with Ontario's provincial ad

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 26 NOV

SKT partners Samsung to jointly develop 6G AI-RAN

SK Telecom (SKT) has signed an MoU with Samsung Electronics to develop 6G mobile communication technologies and to begin full-scale joint research on AI-based radio access networks (AI-RAN). The operator said that the cooperation aims to strengthen the companies' competitiveness in next-generation network technologies using AI and to lay the groundwork for 6G commercialisation.

QATAR 25 NOV

Qatar launches 6G testbed at MWC Doha

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Qatar announced the launch of the Qatar 6G Testbed Platform during MWC Doha. The announcement featured the signing of a letter of intent between CRA, Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar, establishing a national collaborative framework to test and develop emerging 6G technologies.

AFRICA 25 NOV

GSMA says MENA leads in global enterprise digital transformation

Enterprises across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are outpacing global peers in their adoption of advanced digital technologies, underpinned by ambitious national digital agendas and accelerated investment in AI and 5G, according to the GSMA. Its new report "Accelerating digital industries in the GCC and wider MENA region" was launched at the inaugural MWC25 Doha. It says that MENA enterprises are investing heavily in technologies that directly benefit people, such as "smarter" healthcare, safer tr

EUROPE 24 NOV

EU SNS-JU reports back on project advances from first two funding calls

The EU's Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) has selected the ten most significant achievements from ongoing pre-6G research funded by its first and second call for proposals. The newly launched initiative aims to highlight progress from across SNS-JU's portfolio, by giving all project teams an opportunity to present key milestones.

GLOBAL 20 NOV

GSMA study predicts 6G will require 3x mid-band capacity

A new analysis from the GSMA indicates future 6G networks will need up to three times more mid-band spectrum on average compared with today's landscape. The GSMA's study, entitled 'Vision 2040: Spectrum for the Future of Mobile Connectivity', estimates the mid-band requirement from 2035-2040 will average 2-3 GHz per country if regulators are to satisfy connectivity appetite in "the highest-demand urban areas". 

CHILE 20 NOV

NTT, Codelco ink deal to boost digital transformation of mining sector

Japan's NTT Data has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chilean copper producer Codelco to accelerate the digital transformation and sustainability of the mining sector. The agreement seeks to integrate advanced technologies to enhance automation, safety and environmental performance across Codelco's operations.

GLOBAL 20 NOV

Ericsson mobility report shows over 90 operator networks running 5G standalone

Ericsson's latest Mobility Report is out, and it shows a significant increase in the number of 5G standalone services. November's edition of the Mobility Report tracked more than 90 CSPs globally that have either launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks, an increase of about 30 from the same period last year, and up 20 since the last edition was published in June. Ericsson's research team identified 118 use cases across 56 provider networks where network slicing is being deployed to enable differentiated se

EUROPE 20 NOV

Emnify joins EU-backed 6G research project

Berlin-based IoT specialist Emnify said it has joined an EU-funded research project to develop the architectural foundations of next-generation mobile networks. ORIGAMI (Optimised Resource Integration and Global Architecture for Mobile Infrastructure for 6G) is a collaborative initiative that brings together top European research institutions and technology companies such as Telefonica Research, NEC Laboratories Europe and the University of Würzburg.

JAPAN 20 NOV

SoftBank probes cmWave 7 GHz efficacy in pre-6G study

SoftBank has published trial data demonstrating the efficacy of centimetre-wave 7 GHz frequencies in mobile sites. With 7 GHz a key candidate for 6G networks, SoftBank deployed three massive MIMO-enabled base stations in an outdoor scenario. It says the study has confirmed 7 GHz's capability in driving wide area coverage and link quality in dense urban environments.

EUROPE 18 NOV

GSMA welcomes RSPG's 6 GHz guidance but warns extra allocation will be needed after WRC-27

The GSMA has welcomed the opinion issued by the European Commission's Radio Spectrum Policy Group, advising that 540 MHz of upper 6 GHz spectrum should be allocated for priority mobile use in the near term. However the alliance representing global carrier interests emphasised the importance of finding additional capacity after the next World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) wraps up in 2027. Heading into the 6G era, GSMA argued that restraining auctions to this initial 540 MHz block permanently would fa

Just In

19 DEC 16:42

SLT-Mobitel launches 5G network in Sri Lanka

19 DEC 16:19

Dialog Axiata launches 5G network, connects 1.5 million subscribers

19 DEC 15:56

UK govt to ban AI-enabled nudification apps to protect women, girls

19 DEC 15:42

3 UK launches last-minute Christmas sale

Commentary

13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

11:11

KPN's mixed performance in Q3 raises questions for strategy day

15:26

Stock markets breaking records but what happened to Odido's IPO plans?

Background

01:04

The week in telecom: Wi-Fi bolt-ons take off to boost broadband growth, video market works on consolidation

01:39

The week in telecom: Netflix wins bidding for Warner Bros, Apple poaches new execs, Samsung debuts trifold

13:51

Proximus vs. Telenet: Proximus performs better in Q3 while Telenet uses up cash

14:16

Proximus Domestic still struggling with low margins