Ericsson Wants to Develop 6G Mobile Network Research in UK

Ericsson will invest millions of pounds in 6G mobile research in the UK. (photo: dock. Pixabay)

JAKARTA – Telecommunications network equipment maker Ericsson will invest millions of pounds in 6G mobile research in the UK. According to Ericsson on Tuesday, November 22, they are working closely with universities in hardware security, AI and cognitive networks and quantum computing.

The Swedish company, which supplies 5G equipment to all four of the UK's mobile networks, says the 10-year initiative will help drive development of its next generation of 6G networks, which are expected to be commercially available around 2030.

Ericsson UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley said UK universities are conducting world-beating research on some of the technologies that will power next-generation networks.

"We will put together a team of 20 experienced researchers here in the UK and we will also sponsor students," Ainley said, as quoted by Reuters. "Our initial focus is on 6G networks and hardware security." The new group will complement Ericsson's existing 17 research sites in 12 countries.

“Possible partner universities include Surrey, Bristol and Manchester,” said Ainley. He added that it usually takes 8-10 years from engaging with researchers to developing commercial technology.

The UK government, which has worked to protect funding for scientific research after Brexit, said Ericsson's investment was a "huge vote of confidence" in the country's telecommunications sector. They will publish their 6G technology strategy soon.