Finland Takes the Lead in 6G Technology Development
Finland's Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced the formation of a working group to promote 6G communication technologies. The primary objective of this group is to prepare Finland's national 6G roadmap and facilitate cooperation and information exchange among stakeholders in the field of next-generation wireless network technologies.
The working group comprises representatives from the state administration, research institutions, and businesses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. The group includes members from the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Labor and the Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the State Cybersecurity Director, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, the Finnish Transport Agency, Business Finland, VTT, Nokia, FiCom, DNA, Telia, Elisa, Technology Industry, Aalto University, Helsinki University, University of Oulu, and University of Tampere.
The working group will focus on several critical areas, including:
1. National 6G Roadmap: Preparing Finland's position and goals related to radio frequencies needed for next-generation mobile communications.
2. Network Security: Ensuring network security in coordination with the work of Finland's National Cyber Security Advisory Board.
3. International Cooperation: Strengthening international partnerships with like-minded countries, as demonstrated by Finland's participation in the U.S.-led multilateral statement on the principles of 6G development.
Finland's efforts to develop 6G technology are part of a broader global initiative. The International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) released the IMT-2030 Framework Recommendation in November 2023, outlining the future direction of 6G. By 2026, the ITU-R aims to establish the technical performance requirements of 6G technologies, which will serve as the foundation for candidate 6G technologies to be developed by standards organizations like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The working group's term of office will last until May 31, 2025. This timeframe is critical, as it aligns with the ITU-R's goal of finalizing technical specifications for 6G by 2030.
Finland's proactive approach to 6G technology development demonstrates its commitment to remaining at the forefront of mobile network technology. The formation of this working group is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its comprehensive representation ensures that Finland's national 6G roadmap will be well-informed and effective.