Lighthouse project to advance 6G in Germany

While 5G is still being rolled out in Germany, the BMBF has already begun plans to shape and implement 6G. The new lighthouse project 6G-ANNA (6G Access, Network of Networks and Automation) is part of a larger “6G Platform Germany” initiative. Begun on July 1, 2022, for three years, the project is led by Nokia and funded by the BMBF with 38.4 million Euros. Rohde & Schwarz has joined the industry consortium as an industry partner. The consortium includes well-established companies such as Airbus, Bosch, Ericsson, Siemens and Vodafone and innovative start-ups, research institutes and distinguished universities.

The company has been closely involved in research beyond 5G and developing 6G from its early beginnings. It actively supports the ongoing fundamental research activities at 6G organizations, universities and research institutes across Europe, the US and Japan. The company is currently well invested in researching different technologies expected to play a crucial role in developing 6G, such as (sub-)THz communication, JCAS, AI and ML or RIS. The first global specification of 6G is expected in the next six to eight years, and the commercial introduction of the technology is calculated to take place around 2030.