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

Ericsson is to establish a new research unit in the UK as part of a multi-million-pound investment to boost the country’s future wireless connectivity capabilities.

Tens of millions of pounds will be invested by Ericsson over the next 10 years in a UK-based program that will focus on 6G research and breakthrough innovations. Research areas will include network resilience and security, artificial intelligence, cognitive networks and energy efficiency – all considered to be key building blocks of the world’s future digital infrastructure for society, industries and consumers.

The program will employ 20 dedicated researchers and support additional PhD students who will work alongside leading academics, CSPs and industry partners to lead 6G research projects that contribute to the development of global technology, network innovation and new product solutions.

6G is expected to become available in the 2030s, building on societal, consumer and industry use-case mobile connectivity breakthroughs enabled by the high-end capabilities of 5G. It is anticipated that 6G will merge the digital and physical world, contribute to a more intelligent, sustainable and efficient society and help deliver new use cases that include multi-sensory extended reality, precision healthcare, smart agriculture, cobots, and intelligent autonomous systems.

The announcement of research investment in the UK builds on Ericsson’s long history at the heart of the country’s telecommunications industry and supports the government’s ambition to be a leader in the development of future communications and global standards.

“Ericsson's investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's innovative telecoms sector," said DCMS Secretary of State Michelle Donelan. "This pioneering research unit will create new jobs, support students and bring together some of our country's finest minds to shape the future of telecoms infrastructure in the UK and across the globe.

"Our mission is to lead the world in developing next-generation network tech, and we will soon publish a strategy outlining how we harness 6G to deliver more for people and business."

“Ericsson has been connecting the UK for more than 120 years and this new investment underlines our ongoing commitment to ensure the country remains a global leader in the technologies and industries of the future," added Katherine Ainley, CEO, Ericsson UK & Ireland.

“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 groundbreaking innovation.”

“Ericsson is at the forefront of global research, innovation and developing open standards that will underpin a future of limitless connectivity and new technologies," said Magnus Frodigh, VP & Head of Ericsson Research. "Establishing a research program in the UK means the country will be well positioned to utilise its existing high international level of knowledge in wireless systems and technologies to produce ground-breaking 6G research that not only can help shape the future of global standards but also deliver a more connected, efficient and sustainable society.”

“As a major supplier to UK operators, it is great to see Ericsson announce its new Telecoms 6G Research and Development center," said Dr Mike Short CBE, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of International Trade. "This investment in the UK telecoms sector will help promote stronger research, innovation and collaboration. UKRI and the UK Government more broadly will continue to support the development of Telecoms talent and new ideas in this exciting growth area.”