At Mobile World Congress, NVIDIA an American technology company, announced a cross-industry effort to develop AI-native, open and secure infrastructure for next-generation wireless networks, including 6G, bringing together technology companies and telecom operators such as Booz Allen, BT Group, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom AG, Ericsson, MITRE, Nokia, OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, ODC, SK Telecom, SoftBank Corp. and T-Mobile.
This coalition is focused on building AI-native, software-defined wireless platforms to support large-scale autonomous systems including robotics, vehicles and sensor networks. Participants said future connectivity must become more open, intelligent and resilient as wireless infrastructure evolves to support physical AI applications.
According to a press release, the design aims to embed intelligence across radio access networks, edge computing and core network layers to enable integrated sensing and communications, automated decision-making, interoperability and stronger supply-chain security.
Numerous C-level executives expressed their support and optimism for the deployment of 6G infrastructure and AI development.
Allison Kirkby, CEO, BT Group, said, “Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth, and with this collaboration, we’re helping lay the foundations for a future ecosystem that is intelligent, sustainable and secure. By building on open and trustworthy AI native platforms, we can simplify future technologies like 6G, ensuring they build upon the strengths of today’s 5G networks while still unlocking powerful new capabilities at scale.”
Tim Höttges, CEO, Deutsche Telekom AG, said: “Best network, best customer experience that remains our promise. With an open, intelligent and trusted 6G infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for the era of physical AI and unlocking new value for our customers, for industry and for society.”
Jung Jai-hun, President and CEO, SK Telecom, said, “SKT is evolving telco infrastructure to serve as the foundation for the AI era, where connectivity serves as a platform for intelligence and innovation. Together, we can build open, trusted infrastructure that drives a global ecosystem of AI innovation.”
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive VP and CTO, SoftBank Corp., said, “Al-native 6G will transform wireless networks into secure, software-defined infrastructure that supports the next wave of global innovation.”
Srini Gopalan, CEO, T-Mobile, said, “As 6G becomes the backbone of the AI era, telecom will serve as the nervous system of the digital economy, enabling autonomous systems and intelligent industries at scale and unlocking new value for customers and businesses alike.”
The partners are contributing to several international research programs, including the FutureG Office initiative, the AI-RAN Alliance with more than 130 member organizations, and the AI-Native Wireless Networks (AI-WIN).
Global collaborations also extend to Korea, the United Kingdom through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and research programs across Europe and Japan focused on interoperable and trusted 6G network design.