Qualcomm has officially unveiled its 6G roadmap for 2025, marking a significant step forward in next-generation wireless technology. Just days before MWC 2025, the company confirmed that 6G standardization efforts will be a key focus this year, alongside AI-driven advancements in cellular networks and support for the FR3 band.
Qualcomm’s Commitment to 6G Development
Speaking on the upcoming shift, John Smee, SVP Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, emphasized:
📌 “2025 will be a momentous year, marking the official beginning of 6G standardization.”
To drive this initiative, Qualcomm is collaborating with Nokia Bell Labs and Rohde & Schwarz, focusing on:
✔ AI-powered networks, integrating artificial intelligence across multiple network layers and devices
✔ Enhanced efficiency and user experience in 5G Advanced and 6G networks
✔ Scalability of AI-driven wireless technology
The introduction of AI into cellular networks aims to optimize network efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance connectivity for both 5G Advanced and future 6G deployments.
Understanding 5G Advanced & 6G Evolution
For context, 5G Advanced is the next iteration of 5G, designed to improve network performance and efficiency.
📌 3GPP Release 18 introduced commercial Advanced 5G in 2024, and the technology is expected to evolve further through Release 21 by 2028.
Qualcomm’s Focus on FR3 Band for 6G
Alongside 6G standardization, Qualcomm is evolving its MIMO system designs to support the FR3 band—a critical component for future 6G networks.
📡 Key features of the FR3 band:
✔ Wide-area bandwidth up to 400MHz, enabling faster data transmission
✔ Lower latency, improving real-time communication and IoT connectivity
✔ Bridging the gap between FR1 (sub-6GHz) and FR2 (above 24GHz) frequencies
The FR3 band is being explored for 6G networks, as it balances speed, efficiency, and IoT compatibility, making it ideal for next-generation telecom applications.
Final Thoughts: The Road to 6G Begins
With MWC 2025 set to take place from March 3-6 in Barcelona, Qualcomm will showcase its advancements in wireless technology at Hall 3, Stand 3E10. The company’s bold push for 6G standardization, combined with AI-driven network intelligence and FR3 band support, signals the next phase in global telecom evolution.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.