According to figures from the GSMA’s The Mobile Economy China 2026 report, RCR Wireless News said that by 2025 end, 5G-Advanced coverage in mainland China had expanded to more than 330 cities. By the middle of 2025, the number of 5G-Advanced users exceeded 10 million.

The report also said that 5G made up 55% of the mobile connections in China by 2025 end. Major operators such as China Mobile, China Telecom as well as China Unicom have begun offering commercial 5G-Advanced services across mainland China, whereas operators in Hong Kong and Macau have also entered the market.

China Telecom Shanghai has also launched what GSMA described as the first commercial 5G-Advanced × AI massive-uplink network of China. The rollout includes more than 5,000 refurbished sites, maximum uplink speeds of 1Gbps, and constant 20Mbps uplink coverage imajor urban areas.

Ericsson Mobility Report, has pointed towards rising demand for uplink capacity from AI, cloud as well as mobile services. The report said connected devices are anticipated to send far more data to cloud platforms. Examples of enterprise and industry include autonomous vehicles, AI-enabled IoT devices as well as humanoid droids, drones and 5G-native laptops.

5G-Advanced is not all about speed

The GSMA report said that operators are implementing 5G-Advanced in stadiums, tourism sites, transportation hubs and real-time events venues. These deployments were linked to improved uplink capacity, differentiated packages along with novel monetisation models, the report said.

5G Americas sees 5G-Advanced as one step on the technical path to 6G. Its white paper outlines 5G-Advanced based on 3GPP Release 18 and subsequent releases as an upgrade of 5G Standalone incorporating AI and machine learning, XR, enhanced energy efficiency as well as low-latency capabilities.

The GSMA report says that the next phase of 5G development in China will see a more diverse set of interconnected devices and traffic types,” said the GSMA report. Examples include industrial cameras, wearables, connected vehicles, drones, and asset tracking devices

It is well to be noted that Nokia has linked 5G-Advanced positioning as well as RedCap functionality to enterprise uses like industrial automation, asset tracking, logistics, automotive and public safety.

The GSMA also gave examples of more dynamic resource allocation in 5G-Advanced. These consist of the premium service packages from China Mobile for high-density events, China Telecom and joint resource orchestration work by China Unicom across shared infrastructure, and China Telecom and ZTE’s AI-based network allocation initiatives.

GSMA Intelligence said that operators who are investing in 5G Standalone along with 5G-Advanced are progressively focusing on experience-based consumer offerings, such as differentiated services as well as service assurance, with AI and core network intelligence utilized to improve network performance.

The GSMA report also forecast mobile technologies and services to represent 7.2% of China’s GDP in 2025, or $1.5 trillion. It projected the mobile sector to add $2.1 trillion by the end of the decade, at a CAGR of 7%.

China will continue to build next-generation digital infrastructure and at the same time also promote research on 6G, chief engineer at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, Zhong Zhihong, said at the opening keynote of MWC Shanghai 2026.

China needed to organize and develop new communications and computing networks including an evolution from dual gigabit networks to dual 10-gigabit networks, Zhong said. He also highlighted the continuing efforts in 6G core technologies, standards development and related industrial ecosystems.

The MIIT official additionally linked communications infrastructure to the implementation of AI in different sectors. He said they should be more integrated with sectors like agriculture, education and healthcare.

China Telecom names AI-native 6G

With the roll out of 5G-Advanced in China, future AI-native 6G networks will need to have tighter coordination of networking and computing resources, says chief technologist at China Telecom, Yue Wang.

Most telecom systems today are still built around deterministic architectures, Wang said at the Telco AI Forum from RCRTech. These systems are built on top of predetermined interfaces, rules-based logic, and control mechanisms.

AI-native networks should be considered spanning three layers, predominantly infrastructure and operations, as well as services, Wang said. The infrastructure layer comprises a network, compute, and storage as well as AI resources, whereas the operational layer is responsible for optimization as well as orchestration, and the service layer provides AI-driven services.

Connectivity alone will not be enough for future AI services, Wang said. They will also need compute resources along with latency adaptation to be handled along with the network.

There are limits to adding AI capabilities to present systems, since existing networks have not been built around AI workflows, added Wang. Current networks are not designed for AI-ready data, AI lifecycle management, closed-loop control, or real-time decision-making, she said.

Industry needs to be able to organize network and compute capacity together to promote new AI services, she said.

The GSMA gives instances of 5G-Advanced, such as dynamic network resource management, stronger uplink performance, and support for a more diverse mix of device categories. Wang’s 6G comments centered around the joint control over connectivity, intelligence, compute, and data as well as assurance capabilities.

Wang also said the shift will call for modifications from both the telecom and AI industries. Live carrier networks are essential infrastructure and cannot depend on uncontrolled decisions, so AI systems must satisfy telecom standards.

At the same time, she pointed out that telecom architectures must be adaptable enough to leverage AI-driven operations. This means making AI trustworthy enough to be used in telecom environments but also enabling network systems to provide more flexible control.

Wang pointed out the importance of AI-native 6G when it comes to future applications like robotics and industrial automation, which belong to physical AI systems. One of the first abilities needed for 6G networks will be the joint orchestration when it comes to communications and computing, she said.

Wang said the development of AI-native 6G will rely on whether networks are able to open up and integrate communication, compute, data, and intelligence as well as assurance capabilities for customers collectively.

Operators still struggle with 5G returns

China is still the largest 5G market in the world; however, the growth in revenue from mobile services is projected to be moderate, owing to structural as well as competitive pressures, added an analyst at GlobalData, Hrushikesh Mahananda, who told this to RCR Wireless News.

Price competition, market saturation, and regulatory demands in order to keep connectivity cost-effective keep affecting average revenue per user, Mahananda said. The operators are thus increasingly focusing on enterprise 5G applications as well as industrial digitalization.

Chinese carriers are also transitioning into private 5G networks, cloud computing, and edge services as well as AI-enabled platforms. Hrushikesh Mahananda says there are more obvious enterprise use cases when it comes to 5G capabilities like low latency, network slicing, etc. in areas such as mining, manufacturing, ports, and healthcare as well as transport, Mahananda said.

The new edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report predicts that the total number of mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa is going to grow from 1.05 billion in 2025 to 1.31 billion in 2031, with 5G subscriptions making up almost 28% of the market by that time.

It is well to be noted that in addition to being fastest-growing 5G subscriptions region, Ericsson also anticipates legacy 2G and 3G networks to contract significantly in that period as 4G and 5G grow more dominant. Of the two, 4G will continue to dominate, with 490 million subscriptions in 2025 expanding to 610 million in 2031 and thereby representing 46% of the market.

It predicts that average monthly data usage per active smartphone in Sub-Saharan Africa will increase from 5.3 GB in 2025 to 12 GB in 2031. The overall mobile data traffic in the region is projected to increase from 2.8 EB per month in 2025 to 9.7 EB per month by 2031.

According to Alain Maupin, VP and head of Ericsson East and North Africa at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, Alain Maupin, “As digital transformation scales across the continent, the rise of AI and uplink-heavy applications, such as XR and autonomous devices, will fundamentally change traffic patterns.”

The planned roll-out of 4G and 5G is a massive opportunity for the region to accelerate its transition into the AI era, declared VP and head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, Majda Lahlou Kassi.

He further added that “by transitioning away from legacy networks, we are building the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive digital economy. With the right collaborative investments in spectrum and policy frameworks, Africa is positioned to fully participate in, and benefit from, the AI boom.”

But the distribution as well as adoption of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa will probably look significantly different. So far, 36 out of the 54 African countries have implemented 5G in some form, although some remain in the pre-commercial stage, and most have coverage restricted to major urban centres, high-traffic hotspots, as well as tourist areas.

The affordability of smartphones continues to be one of the primary obstacles to the adoption of both 4G as well as 5G. The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition said that smartphones ought to be priced in the US$30-40 range so as to unlock widespread use in developing nations where cost affordability continues to be a major barrier. 3.1 billion people have mobile coverage, but they do not have access to the mobile internet, based on GSMA estimates.

Earlier, Omdia, the consulting group, said that although the smartphone shipments to Africa recorded a 14% year-on-year surge in Q4 2025, the firm anticipates those numbers to drop by 22% in 2026, with low-cost devices especially being hit due to component inflation.

Omdia also pointed out that in certain markets, import duties as well as the cost of living are also impeding the adoption of basic smartphones.

The alliance forms part of the 5-Year Integrated Strategic Business Plan of Telecom Namibia’ which is aimed at fostering sustainable growth, boosting market share and improving the customer experience via strategic partnerships as well as innovative solutions.

It is well to be noted that the agreement is based on an open-access infrastructure model, enabling Telecom Namibia to connect to the fibre network from Lightstruck to provide high-speed internet services to both residential as well as business customers. This is consistent with the goals outlined in the 2025/26 Annual Operating Plan – AOP by Telecom Namibia that is designed to fast-track fibre rollout and accelerate digital transformation throughout the country.

Lightstruck is a network facilities licensee, authorised by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia – CRAN as an open-access infrastructure provider liable for the installation, upkeep, and operation of fibre networks. The partnership will enable Telecom Namibia to take advantage of the infrastructure of Lightstruck to deliver IP-based services across its end-users, guaranteeing superior quality and dependable connectivity.

This collaboration that fast-tracks fibre links is also of critical importance to address the persistent problem of copper theft and network vandalism. Telecom Namibia is stepping up the move from copper-based infrastructure to fibre, which will lower its reliance on theft-prone assets, especially in high-risk areas. Fibre networks are not only quicker and more reliable; they are less susceptible and hence offer a more stable network and a more consistent and safe service for customers.

The partnership is built on a completely managed OPEX-based model which allows Telecom Namibia to efficiently grow the footprint of its services while upholding high service standards. Services will be delivered and operated via the service portal from Lightstruck, delivering a streamlined operation and better customer experience.

According to Dr Stanley Shanapinda, the Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia, “The signing of this partnership with Lightstruck marks another key milestone in our fibre expansion journey. It reflects our commitment to leveraging open-access networks to accelerate connectivity, enhance customer choice, and deliver innovative, high-quality digital services. Through this collaboration, we are embracing infrastructure sharing as a strategic approach to avoid duplication of efforts, fast-track network deployment, and improve overall efficiency in the sector. At a time when copper theft remains a daily occurrence and continues to disrupt services, the transition to fibre strengthens the resilience and reliability of our network infrastructure. We are confident that this partnership will significantly strengthen our ability to provide reliable broadband solutions and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s digital transformation.”

Says Director at Lightstruck, Mr Szacky Nujoma, “We are proud to partner with Telecom Namibia in advancing fibre connectivity across Namibia through an open-access model. As a neutral infrastructure provider, our focus is on enabling service providers to deliver high-quality services over a reliable network. This collaboration underscores the value of shared infrastructure in driving competition, efficiency, and improved access to next-generation connectivity. We are particularly encouraged by the strong commitment from shareholders, who are prepared to invest the necessary capital, and therefore do not foresee any funding constraints. We are excited about this partnership and the meaningful impact it will have in accelerating Namibia’s digital transformation.”

As part of the deal

• Lightstruck’s open access network is to be used by Telecom Namibia so as to provide services to end-users.
• Lightstruck deploys and maintains fibre infrastructure and networks.
• Provisioning and managing services via Lightstruck’s service portal.

Interestingly, Lightstruck’s network has gone live in Rocky Crest, Osona Village, Khomasdal, Dorado Park, and Rehoboth, enabling Telecom Namibia customers in these areas to immediately access fibre services via this partnership. Both organisations are well placed to use current fibre infrastructure so as to speed up fibre take-up and enhance broadband accessibility in these areas. The partnership also provides a migration path for present Telecom Namibia customers to fibre-based services, in which coverage is accessible, allowing them to access faster, more dependable connectivity.

The partnership that fast-tracks fibre links brings together broad customer base and service capabilities from Telecom Namibia with the growing open-access fibre network Lightstruck as the demand for rapid, reliable and dependable internet continues to rise. The partnership is anticipated to improve customer engagement and drive the broader digital evolution of communities and businesses throughout Namibia.

Nokia will supply low- and mid-band next-gen 5G and AI RAN technologies in order to build a high-performance and AI-ready network that is capable of handling rising demand for digital services as part of the agreement.

The upgrade is anticipated to enhance network capacity, coverage, and efficiency, allowing for responsive applications and services, including immersive entertainment and gaming. It also matches with the long-term plan of IOH to broaden digital access throughout the archipelago of Indonesia.

The enhanced network infrastructure will also enable enterprise use cases throughout various sectors such as public services and industry as well as digital services.

Justin Hotard, Nokia CEO, said that the future of networks will be characterized by how operators integrate connectivity and intelligence as well as scale. The collaboration with Indosat and NVIDIA, according to him, is to expand 5G coverage and enable novel services and business models that are powered by AI.

The companies stated the project goes well beyond conventional network upgrades and establishes connectivity as a foundation for intelligence by adopting AI-RAN technology. AI-RAN combines AI workloads and radio access networks on a common infrastructure, offering efficiency and new possibilities when it comes to AI services.

As part of the initiative, Indosat and Nokia, as well as Nvidia, plan to start AI-RAN trials in the field within Indonesia by the end of 2026.

Together with Indosat, we will be able to further enhance the operator’s capability to provide a more seamless digital experience while supporting the inclusive digital transformation goals of Indonesia, said Vikram Sinha, the Indosat president director and CEO.

According to Senior Vice President of Telecommunications at Nvidia, Ronnie Vasishta, Indosat and Nokia are showing what a 5G network looks like when it turns into the platform for intelligence. Building on their AI-RAN collaboration and working towards field trials in Indonesia, they are shaping an architecture where AI as well as connectivity can work together in order to drive productivity, facilitate new applications, and promote digital transformation at scale.

The latest expansion of 4G LTE in Ethiopia is part of the ongoing program from Ethio telecom for network modernization as well as broadband expansion, with the goal to expand LTE coverage far beyond major urban centers as well as regional capitals.

Operator details show that Oromia, along with Amhara, forms the biggest portion of the new towns connected, making up about two-thirds of the most recent rollout. Smaller expansions have been reported in the Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Somali as well as Afar regions.

The regional distribution illustrates a continuous effort to expand broadband availability to high-population areas, in addition to historically underserved populations, in support of broader digital connectivity goals along with broad access to standard mobile broadband services.

The expansion comes as Ethio telecom operations are speeding up network modernization. Over the course of time, the operator has carried out several LTE expansion initiatives and upgrades to its infrastructure in an effort to broaden broadband coverage and enhance service quality across the country.

The rising demand for mobile financial services, online education, digital commerce, and government digital platforms continues to push the want for faster and, of course, more dependable connectivity beyond the major urban centers of Ethiopia. The extended LTE coverage is anticipated to enable these services and promote digital inclusion throughout newly connected communities.

This latest rollout is a further move in the ongoing efforts made by Ethio telecom to expand access to high-speed mobile internet services in the wide range of geographical areas throughout Ethiopia.

As Trinity platform is launched by MaxLinear, Inc., it is built for the next-gen of intelligent networks. Trinity delivers cloud-managed, AI-optimised backhaul infrastructure that allows operators to broaden 5G coverage while reducing installation and operational expenses via automation and also real-time network intelligence.

It is well to be noted that wireless backhaul is the crucial link which connects cell towers and radios to the central network. With the global surge of mobile data and 5G expanding to remote regions, service providers need wireless backhaul solutions that are easier to set up, more cost-effective and self-managing. Traditional approaches rely on manual provisioning and limited visibility, which results in slower and more expensive deployments, especially in markets with limited Average Revenue Per User – ARPU.

Industry analysts forecast solid growth for millimetre-wave technology as 5G networks consolidate and as the requirement for high-capacity wireless backhaul increases. The global millimetre wave technology marketplace is projected to expand from about $3 billion in 2024 to over $7 billion in 2029, at roughly 20% annual growth, driven partially by the demand for scalable, cloud-managed as well as AI-enabled telecom infrastructure.

The Trinity Platform – A Carrier-Grade and Highly Integrated Solution

URX processors are already deployed on major carrier networks around the world. The Trinity platform from MaxLinear integrates many backhaul functions into a single URX850 chip, taking advantage of the durability and structural enhancements of the URX platform to dramatically reduce the level of complexity, cost and power usage when it comes to the radio systems.

Trinity offers the Open Compute Project – OCP Switch Abstraction Interface SAI in order to strengthen the commitment of MaxLinear to open standards for smooth migration from legacy systems to software-defined, cloud-managed networks.

These advancements combine to put MaxLinear as the primary technology partner for carriers setting up next-generation wireless backhaul.

According to SVP & GM, Network Infrastructure and Carrier Business Unit at MaxLinear, Puneet Sethi, “We are excited about the capabilities of the Trinity platform, which reflect MaxLinear’s leadership in highly integrated system-on-chip solutions for wireless backhaul. Leveraging URX’s built-in AI acceleration and Trinity SAI API, our OEM customers can now deliver highly differentiated 10Gbps microwave and E-band radio systems that enable smarter tech with cost savings up to 50%.

What It Signifies for Original Equipment Manufacturers – OEMs

The Trinity platform enables equipment manufacturers to rapidly design and deliver more capable backhaul radios by way of –

Lower cost and power usage – Up to 50% savings on necessary parts and additional power savings for a more sustainable operation.

Optimized form factor – Smaller size and weight for a simpler installation.

Improved reliability – Fewer components, greatly increased MTBF – Mean Time Between Failures.

Cloud network management – Visibility, provisioning and orchestration throughout distributed infrastructure.

This integration is a major move forward for outdoor wireless radios in which space and power happen to be constrained. The Trinity platform now has functionality that used to call for multiple components, such as switching and quality of service – QoS, aggregation of several wireless links to boost capacity, high-speed data encryption for enhanced safety, and the exact timing needed for carrier-grade networks.

Such functions are usually executed in conventional radio architectures using large, power-hungry ASICs, including programmable logic devices (FPGAs). All of this is done directly in integrated hardware and software on the Trinity platform, which simplifies designs and maximises efficiency.

What this means for mobile network operators (MNOs)

Trinity offers simpler, lower-cost radios that provide rapid, dependable and scalable networks with a number of key differentiators –

Multi-link aggregation – Combines around four microwave wireless links in parallel, automatically adjusting to changing channel conditions.

Ruggedized functionality – Dependable operation from –40°C to +85°C designed for harsh environments.

Increased security – Integrated hardware-accelerated, fast encryption to have data integrity.

Opines Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, Randeep Sekhon, “Meeting the capacity demands of 5G while maintaining sustainable deployment costs requires a new level of integration and cost optimization in backhaul design. We appreciate MaxLinear’s focus and investment in these areas and look forward to the availability of next-generation optimized backhaul radio solutions.”

On May 14, 2026, the regulator announced modifications to its Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, in order to introduce an increasingly granular nine-level rating system, enabling under-construction projects to be awarded connectivity certifications in phases, and to increase transparency during the evaluation of telecom infrastructure.

The move comes on the back of comments provided by builders, digital connectivity rating agencies, and telecom operators, as well as property managers, during the initial deployment of the framework that pointed out shortcomings in rating differentiation and challenges in evaluating projects under construction in addition to the requirement for pre-rating infrastructure audits.

The modifications were required as a growing percentage of the country’s digital consumption happens within buildings, and the use of advanced construction materials and dense building designs frequently impedes telecom signals, particularly in higher-frequency 4G and 5G bands, TRAI said.

In its explanatory memorandum, the regulator stated that the digital connectivity rating framework is anticipated to incentivise property developers and managers to include sufficient digital connectivity infrastructure at the planning and building stages.

One of the most significant updates is the addition of half-star ratings, which takes the existing five-star system to a nine-tier one. The finer gradation will allow for greater distinction between properties and incentivise incremental enhancements in digital connectivity infrastructure as well as service quality, TRAI said.

The altered digital connectivity rating system for buildings rules also introduce a phased evaluation mechanism for projects under construction. In the process, Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies – DCRAs – may provide a Designed For certificate determined by authorised telecom infrastructure plans throughout construction and then a Installation Completed For certificate once the deployment of in-building telecom systems takes place. Then final ratings will be given only if telecom services are fully operational.

It is well to be noted that the mechanism will enable prospective buyers and tenants to evaluate the telecom readiness of a project prior to possession and enhance responsibility between the promises of developers as well as actual execution, said the regulator.

TRAI also introduced optional digital connectivity inspection for current properties so that managers of properties may review their existing telecom infrastructure, detect gaps and make necessary upgrades before officially applying for ratings.

The regulator also banned exclusive telecom arrangements between property managers and in-building solution providers as well as telecom operators, in order to ensure non-discriminatory access to telecom infrastructure and to enhance consumer choice in buildings.

Apparently, the revised framework encompasses commercial buildings, residential complexes, hospitals, hotels, airports, educational institutions, railway stations, highways, and metro corridors as well as stadiums, among many others.

The amendments have already entered into force from 13 May 2026.

The advent of silk into strong plastic-like materials with 6G potential is also lightweight but more potent than many metal alloys and traditional plastics made from fossil fuels. Their mechanical characteristics could make them suitable for sports equipment, shipping containers and certain specialised packaging. In ballistic testing, the new materials were resilient to puncture, as carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers are utilised in the bodies of aeroplanes and automobile chassis. And the material degrades gradually when implanted in mice, which makes it potentially useful for temporary medical implants.

The scientists are especially excited about the way the material can twist, or polarise, terahertz frequencies of light. The 6G band extends to terahertz frequencies and can carry data much faster than 5G networks, hence making it especially appealing for high-speed internet in rural areas. Another way to encode the data is with a standard polarisation, and it might open up more channels, but the elliptical polarisations observed with the silk material are by no means usually so simple. By altering the temperature and pressure at which they pushed the silk into the plastic-like material, the team could optimise the amount of twist.

Says Nick Kotov, the Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering at U-M and a co-corresponding author of the study published in Nature Sustainability, “It’s difficult to engineer a material with terahertz optical activity that can rotate light while also being nearly transparent. This composite is unique in that it can do it for the frequencies that are essential for multiple future technologies. Typically, such bio-derived materials absorb terahertz light very strongly, so you get very little light out.”

Keeping the best elements of silk

It is well to be noted that the properties of the materials arise from the chemical structure of the silk. There are alternate areas of order and disorder. The fibers consist of long chains of a variety of amino acids. In some parts of the chain the amino acid sequence is random and goes on to form a distorted tangle. The amino acids in other parts of the chain also link in a pattern that repeats, and the chain folds neatly into twisted, crystalline sheets. Silk is durable and flexible, a blend of crystalline and unruly features.

According to Chunmei Li, a research assistant professor in biomedical engineering at Tufts University and a co-corresponding author of the study, “It’s surprisingly strong for something so flexible. By processing it, we can go beyond the capabilities of many other biomaterials.”

Heating the fibers to between 257 and 419 degrees Fahrenheit and 1900 and 9800 atmospheres of pressure goes on to evaporate water from the silk and fuses the tangled regions together in a single sheet without destroying the clean folds that occur inside the fibers.

Opines associate professor in multifunctional and sustainable polymer composites at Imperial College London and a lead author of the study, Emiliano Bilotti, silk has very interesting properties due to its hierarchical microstructure, with crystalline domains embedded in a complex multiscale architecture. We wanted to save as many of the pristine fibers as possible.”

In contrast to that, earlier attempts to make plastic-like materials derived from silk required dissolving the silk in a chemical solvent and processing it into a powder. Heating and pressing the powder generates materials more durable than traditional plastics, but much of the crystal structure is eliminated.

Minimizing waste in chemical and textile industries 

One of the reasons the team is working on this is to help cut waste within the fashion and textile industry.

“If you can retrieve very long threads, you can weave again, but when the fibers get shorter and shorter, there is no other way to recycle them than to dissolve them into a powder,” says Bilotti. He adds that “I never believed that was a sustainable solution.”

The new method does not need huge quantities of chemical solvents, salt and water, but just the boiling of the silk to eliminate the natural protein, known as sericin, that binds the fibers into threads. Even small fibers may be pressed into plates.

Says Li, “It can be a very simple, one-step process.”

The team is now looking into how to grow their production procedure to larger, more intricate shapes and lifecycle evaluations in order to measure the full environmental advantages. The researchers are also looking at how to include the fused silk into sensors and various other applications, while they are also seeking industrial and commercial partners in order to assist in scaling up the process and bringing the materials to market.

This research was backed by the U-M Center for Complex Particle Systems – COMPASS, a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center, as well as the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and also Tufts Launchpad Accelerator funding.

Mobile communication technologies are usually created in 10-year cycles, with 6G projected to enter the market around 2030. The ministry has started to review spectrum resources as well as consult existing users of those frequencies, CNA reported.

By the end of 2026, the aim is to put forward a spectrum allocation plan. Spectrum – the radio frequency bands used to send wireless data is viewed as an essential asset for mobile broadband services, Nokia said.

According to the director of Ministry of Digital Affairs’ resource management department, Tseng Wen-fang, the ministry is aiming to mix satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies, in order to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a wider range of destinations. Access to an appropriate spectrum in a timely way will be important in future implementation of 6G networks. The ministry is in charge of spectrum planning and management. Telecom operators must still get approval from Taiwan’s National Communications Commission and build base stations before they can launch services after winning spectrum in government auctions.

It can take over a year to go through the process, so it is important to start spectrum reviews as well as licensing preparations early, said Tseng. Internationally, there are several frequency bands that are emerging as top contenders for 6G development, Tseng said.

Taiwan’s planning will correspond to the world industry trend. Spectrum allocation must be in line with international standards, said Tseng so that devices will work smoothly across global markets.

It is well to be noted that the recent industry discussions on the planning on 6G wireless communications tech in Taiwan have been centred on the 7.125–8.4 gigahertz spectrum band, that has been viewed as a prospective cornerstone of future wireless connectivity. With demand for mobile data continuing to expand, 5G Americas and Qualcomm say the band could offer as much as 10-20 times the network capacity of the present 5G systems.

The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation offers an important means to most effectively direct OCUDU development in support of 5G and initial AI-native 6G services by industry vendors.

NextNav will also work alongside the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation community as a member to help mould the design, approval, and implementation of the 3GPP Positioning Reference Signal – PRS – within the Foundation’s OCUDU Technical Project codebase, enabling the open source RAN stack to fully support Integrated Sensing and Communications – ISAC – and PNT use cases in 5G as well as future 6G networks. NextNav brings almost 20 years of PNT technology creation, which includes field-proven experience from operating the first 5G PNT network in the world, launched in Santa Clara, California.

According to NextNav’s vice president of product development, Santanu Dasgupta, “Resilient PNT is a national security imperative. We’re excited to partner with the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation and the Department of War’s FutureG office to make ISAC and PNT built-in features of wireless networks. Scaling this requires an open, trusted foundation the whole industry can build on. Joining OCUDU brings NextNav’s technology into a broader community, ensuring PRS-based ISAC and PNT become native capabilities in open source 5G and 6G networks.”

NextNav and the OCUDU Technical Project have integrated PRS features into an open source foundation to speed up a triple-purpose vision when it comes to public cellular, private wireless, as well as hybrid terrestrial/satellite networks as an alternative and backup to GPS.

SVP and general manager, Networking, Edge and IoT, the Linux Foundation, Arpit Joshiura says that “OCUDU EF was created to bring the industry together around open, secure, and interoperable CU/DU implementations for open source RAN. We’re pleased to welcome NextNav to the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation and look forward to their contributions as we continue building a collaborative, vendor-neutral ecosystem that can accelerate real-world adoption of open source RAN infrastructure.”

One of the primary goals of the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation is to develop a public-private commercial and research ecosystem and open-source stack for open source CU and DU, which is a part of the open source RAN targeting the delivery of the open source RAN infrastructure which will power AI-native networks of the future. This is exactly where the physical world and AI come into contact. As AI systems grow more dependent on accurate understanding of where and when things happen in the physical world, robust positioning and timing are rapidly evolving into a fundamental system. That reality is reflected in the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation’s AI-native Open Source RAN roadmap that has in it open source 5G and 6G networks. The incorporation of PRS is an ideal match for enabling physical AI and integrated sensing, as well as AI-driven optimisation capacities that will safeguard public safety, national security, and the economy.