Nokia Oyj is leading a group of companies and universities in a European Union funded wireless project called Hexa-X to help jump-start a new generation of mobile technology that’s already being called 6G.
The group includes wireless gearmaking-peer Ericsson, mobile carriers Orange and Telefonica SA, and technology companies including Intel and Siemens. They’re joined by the University of Oulu and the University of Pisa, according to the membership list.
While 5G network deployment is still in its infancy, with 100 wireless carriers worldwide offering the service in limited areas, the preparation for 6G development is getting started in several regions around the world.
In addition to Nokia-led Hexa-X in Europe, there’s Next G Alliance and O-RAN Alliance in the U.S. The Chinese government is also funding a 6G development group.