Qualcomm has unveiled a strategic coalition with several key industry partners to expedite the development and global deployment of 6G technology. This announcement was made at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, where the coalition outlined a milestone-driven roadmap to deliver commercial 6G systems beginning in 2029.
The partnership includes major global players such as Airtel, Amazon, Asus, BT Group, Cisco, Dell, e&, Ericsson, FPT Corporation, Fujitsu/1finity, Google, HP, HPE, HUMAIN, KDDI, KT, Lenovo, LG Electronics, LG Uplus, Meta, Microsoft, Motorola, NEC Corporation, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, Reliance Jio, Samsung Electronics, Sharp, SK Telecom, Snap, Inc., Stellantis, Swisscom, Tejas Networks, Telstra, TIM Group, T-Mobile, Viettel Group, VNG, and YTL.
6G is being developed as an AI-native system built upon three primary pillars: connectivity, wide-area sensing, and high-performance computing. These advanced networks are expected to feature a range of capabilities, including intelligent radios with integrated wide-area sensing, a virtualised and cloud-based RAN with improved energy efficiency, AI-based network autonomy, and dedicated data centres designed to support new AI workloads.
The anticipated benefits of 6G systems include enhanced efficiency and performance in telecommunications, the development of innovative consumer and enterprise devices, and the introduction of AI-enabled services that provide context-relevant data, facilitate low-altitude aerial and terrestrial traffic management, and deliver actionable insights and analytics at scale.
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, highlighted the significance of 6G, stating, “6G is more than the next step in wireless evolution. It is the foundation for an AI-native future that distributes intelligence across devices, the edge, and the cloud, transforming network providers into AI-driven enterprises.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared purpose among industry leaders to ensure the success of this initiative.
The coalition is concentrating on three core architectural domains: devices, networks, and cloud infrastructure. Participating companies are committed to advancing 6G as an intelligent, AI-native platform. This includes the timely development of essential standards, early system validation, testing of 6G specification-compliant pre-commercial devices and networks by 2028, and the initial rollout of interoperable commercial 6G systems starting in 2029.
Qualcomm’s established role in wireless standards development is central to this initiative. Through active participation in standards bodies and early technology collaborations, Qualcomm and its partners aim to establish the technical foundation necessary for bringing 6G from concept to commercialization.
Additional partners aligned with this effort include Alibaba, Aramco, Chery Automobile, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, Geely Auto, GWM, Honor, Hyundai, Leap Motor, Li Auto, Oppo, NIO, SAIC Motor, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Xpeng.