Ericsson Invests Millions in UK’s 6G Development Program

Ericsson

Over the next ten years, Ericsson will invest tens of millions of British pounds in a UK-based initiative that will concentrate on 6G research and ground-breaking technology. Research will be conducted in the fields of energy efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive networks, and network resilience and security, which are all seen as essential components of the future global digital infrastructure for consumers, businesses, and society.

Twenty devoted researchers will be employed by the program, and it will also provide funding for additional PhD students. These individuals will collaborate with top academics, CSPs, and business partners to oversee 6G research projects that advance global technology, network innovation, and new product development.

Magnus Frodigh, VP & Head of Ericsson Research
“Ericsson is at the forefront of global research, innovation and developing open standards that will underpin a future of limitless connectivity and new technologies,” said Magnus Frodigh, VP & Head of Ericsson Research.

With the high-end capabilities of 5G, 6G is anticipated to be made accessible in the 2030s, expanding on societal, consumer, and industry use-case mobile connection advances. A more intelligent, sustainable, and effective society is anticipated to result from the integration of the digital and physical worlds by 6G, which will also help to deliver new use cases such as multisensory extended reality, precision healthcare, smart agriculture, cobots, and intelligent autonomous systems.

Ericsson has been connecting the UK for more than 120 years and this new investment underlines our ongoing commitment to ensure the country remains a global leader in the technologies and industries of the future,” said Katherine Ainley, CEO at Ericsson UK & Ireland. “Our vision for a more connected, safer and sustainable world is one that is shared by the UK government, and we look forward to working together with network operators, industries and academia to develop international standards that will move us ever closer to achieving seamless global connectivity and truly groundbreaking innovation.”

Creation of International Standards

The UK government’s desire to be a leader in the creation of next communications and international standards is supported by the announcement of research funding, which builds on Ericsson’s long experience at the center of the nation’s telecommunications industry.

“Ericsson’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s innovative telecoms sector,” said DCMS Secretary of State Michelle Donelan. “This pioneering research unit will create new jobs, support students and bring together some of our country’s finest minds to shape the future of telecoms infrastructure in the UK and across the globe. Our mission is to lead the world in developing next-generation network tech, and we will soon publish a strategy outlining how we harness 6G to deliver more for people and business.”

“Ericsson is at the forefront of global research, innovation and developing open standards that will underpin a future of limitless connectivity and new technologies,” said Magnus Frodigh, Vice President & Head of Ericsson Research. “Establishing a research program in the UK means the country will be well positioned to utilize its existing high international level of knowledge in wireless systems and technologies to produce ground-breaking 6G research that not only can help shape the future of global standards but also deliver a more connected, efficient, and sustainable society.”