Qualcomm has partnered with significant industry players to accelerate the development of 6G technology, as announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in 2026. This strategic plan comprises the development of a detailed road map describing precise milestones for the commercialisation of 6G technology, which is scheduled to begin in 2029 and continue beyond. Early demos are also scheduled to exhibit the functionality and possibilities of AI-native 6G networks, emphasising the revolutionary features and breakthroughs that the next generation of wireless technology is expected to deliver.
The coalition’s global allies include a wide range of top technology and telecoms companies. 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 are notable contributors.
Other partners in this initiative 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.
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According to the business, 6G is being built as an AI-native system with three key components: connectivity, wide-area sensing, and high-performance computing. It will use intelligent radios, virtualised cloud RAN, AI-based autonomy, and both edge and centralised data centres to improve telecommunications efficiency. Furthermore, 6G will allow AI-enabled services such as context-relevant data management and traffic management, creating major transformation and development potential in the industry.
The partnership will focus on three important architectural areas: devices, networks, and cloud infrastructure, with the goal of advancing 6G as an AI-native platform. Participants aim to build 6G standards, validate early systems, and demonstrate compatible pre-commercial technology by 2028. They want to set a readiness baseline and launch global 6G rollouts in 2029 while also developing new business models and services to increase acceptance and value in the 6G ecosystem.
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Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, said, ‘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 and transforms network providers into AI-driven enterprises. Having led multiple generations of global wireless innovation, Qualcomm brings deep expertise and capabilities to the development and commercialisation of 6G. As with every wireless transition, success will depend on strong and dedicated partnerships, shared purpose and joint innovation. This group of industry leaders is making a united commitment to invest and innovate to deliver on a common 6G vision, with the rollout from 2029 onwards.”
