Ericsson in multi-million GBP 6G research program investment in the UK

• Ten-year Ericsson investment initiative set to boost UK research capabilities and drive global development of 6G future communications and standards

• Researchers, academics, communications service providers (CSPs) and industry partners all set to benefit from focus on advanced technologies required to achieve the 6G vision of a merged physical and digital world

• DCMS Secretary of State Michelle Donelan welcomes investment in technology and innovation in support of the UK’s vision to be a leader in the global development of 6G

A push from telecom operators to bring 5G and handset prices as low as $120 (roughly Rs. 10,000) has helped 5G adoption, Peter Jonsson, executive editor of the report, stated in an interview at the time. "China added about 270 million users in 2021 compared to North America, which added 65 million."

Ericsson's UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley said that British universities are performing world-beating research in some of the technologies that would underpin 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.

Possible partner universities include Surrey, Bristol, and Manchester, she said, adding that it typically takes 8-10 years from engagement with researchers to the development of commercial technology.

The British government, which has been working to protect funding for scientific research after Brexit, said Ericsson's investment was a "huge vote of confidence" in the country's telecoms sector, adding that it would soon publish a strategy on 6G technology.

Earlier this year, Ericsson stated that it expects global 5G mobile subscriptions to surpass 1 billion in 2022, helped by higher adoption in China and North America. A weaker global economy and the uncertainties caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine lowered its estimate for 2022 by around 100 million, the company said in its biannual Mobility Report.

“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 ground-breaking innovation.”

ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications platforms, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency, and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.

Source Ericsson.com