Ericsson To Invest In 6G Network Research In Britain

Ericsson (ERICb.ST), a network equipment maker said that it will invest millions of pounds in 6G mobile research in the United Kingdom, collaborating with universities on hardware security, AI and cognitive networks, and quantum computing.

The Swedish company, which supplies 5G equipment to all four British mobile networks, said the 10-year effort would help to push development of next-generation 6G networks, which are scheduled to bec commercially operational around 2030.

According to Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, British universities are conducting world-class research in some of the technologies that will power next-generation networks.

“We will establish a team of 20 experienced researchers here in the UK and we will also look to sponsor students as well,” she said. “Our initial focus will be 6G networking and hardware security.”

The new group will complement Ericsson’s 17 existing research sites in 12 countries, she said.

She mentioned Surrey, Bristol, and Manchester as potential partner universities, adding that it normally takes 8-10 years from involvement with researchers to the development of commercial technologies.

The British government, which has been scrambling to secure financing for scientific research following Brexit, called Ericsson’s investment a “major vote of confidence” in the country’s telecoms sector, adding that it will shortly publish a policy on 6G technology.

(Reuters)