The second phase of the Hexa-X project, announced by EC, expands the Hexa-X partner list to 44 organisations, which will develop the pre-standardised platform and system view that will serve as the basis for many inputs into future 6G standardisation
Nokia will lead Hexa-X-II with Ericsson as technical manager for the project. (Credit: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson)
Nokia said that it will lead the second phase of the European Commission’s (EC) flagship 6G research project called Hexa-X-II, along with Ericsson as technical manager.
The second phase of the project, announced by the EC, expands the Hexa-X partner list to 44 organisations. The selected organisations will develop the pre-standardized platform and system view that are expected to serve as the basis for various inputs into future 6G standardisation.
As part of the first call of the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU), the EC has awarded funding for the Hexa-X-II project.
Nokia Bell Labs core research president Peter Vetter said: “Nokia is honoured to lead in this pioneering project. In the 6G era, the digital, physical and human worlds will become far more integrated. Our goals must reflect this level of integration and inter-dependency.
“As billions more people and devices get connected, urbanization intensifies, and we strive to manage the limitations on energy and materials, the role of networks and 6G will only deepen. It is essential that we keep the larger context in mind as we imagine the new network.”
In addition to researching technologies that help create a zero-carbon footprint and reduce energy and material consumption, the project’s second phase will ensure security and privacy, data transparency, and network robustness.
Ericsson research head and vice president Magnus Frodigh said: “Today’s networks have formed an intelligent digital infrastructure offering endless possibilities to individuals, enterprises, and governments worldwide.
“The increasing expectations set a clear target for us in the industry and research community – 6G should contribute to an efficient, human-friendly, sustainable society through ever-present intelligent communication.”
The various work packages like future devices and flexible infrastructure, radio evolution and innovation, smart network management and values, and requirements and ecosystem will be coordinated with assistance from Orange, Telecom Italia, TU Dresden, University of Oulu, IMEC, and Atos.
The Hexa-X-II project is expected to commence work in January 2023, with a scheduled duration of two and a half years.