Ericsson, Qualcomm Prototype 400 MHz Carrier and 6-8 GHz Tests for 6G
Ericsson expanded its 6G partnership with Qualcomm to prototype physical-layer technologies such as a 400 MHz component carrier with 30 kHz spacing under 3GPP Release 20 and tests in the 6-8 GHz band. The collaboration explores AI and AR for AI-native 6G networks, with Ericsson forecasting uplink demand tripling every five years.
1. Expanded 6G Partnership with Qualcomm
Ericsson and Qualcomm have deepened their collaboration to coordinate on key radio technologies for 6G and validate them through joint lab prototypes, moving beyond conceptual designs toward tangible system demonstrations.
2. Physical-Layer Prototype Development
The teams have built a prototype system featuring a 400 MHz component carrier with 30 kHz subcarrier spacing under 3GPP Release 20 and conducted initial centimeter-wave tests in the 6-8 GHz band, aiming to improve cell-edge performance with four transmit-receive antenna devices.
3. AI and AR Network Testing
Both companies are testing artificial intelligence and augmented reality applications on new devices and infrastructure to support AI-native 6G networks, targeting enhanced uplink coverage and wide-area performance.
4. Market Implications and Uplink Demand
Ericsson forecasts that daily agentic AI use could reach 40% of consumers by 2030 and that uplink data demand will triple every five years, positioning the company to capitalize on next-generation network performance and commercial 6G rollout.