6G now has a launch date: major tech companies are joining forces to speed up its development.

Qualcomm has unveiled a new coalition of technology and telecoms groups aimed at bringing 6G services to market from 2029, as the next generation of mobile standards continues to take shape.

The US chipmaker used this week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to announce what it described as a strategic alliance with industrial partners intended to speed up development work, help shape global standards and prepare early networks and devices.

Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm’s chief executive, said the company plans to draw on experience gained across previous wireless generations. “After leading several generations of global innovation in wireless, Qualcomm brings deep expertise and capabilities to the development and commercialisation of 6G. As with every wireless transition, success will depend on strong and dedicated partnerships, a shared goal and joint innovation,” he said. Qualcomm is best known for modem chips that connect smartphones to mobile networks and also sells equipment for network operators.

Early 6G devices targeted for 2028

Qualcomm said coalition members will concentrate on three pillars of the emerging technology: 6G networks, 6G-capable devices and the cloud infrastructure expected to support future mobile services.

The group also plans to contribute to the work of standards-setting bodies that define how 6G will operate globally-an important step before manufacturers and operators can roll out interoperable equipment at scale.

In addition to a 2029 commercial launch ambition, Qualcomm said the coalition is aiming for pre-commercial networks and devices compatible with 6G standards as early as 2028.

Broad membership spanning operators, cloud and device makers

Qualcomm’s list of participating companies includes Airtel, Amazon, Asus, BT Group, Cisco, Dell, e&, Ericsson, FPT Corporation, Fujitsu/1finity, Google, HP, HPE, HUMAIN, KDDI, KT, Lenovo, LG Electronics, LG Uplus, Meta, Microsoft, Motorola, NEC Corporation, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, Reliance Jio, Samsung Electronics, Sharp, SK Telecom, Snap, Inc., Stellantis, Swisscom, Tejas Networks, Telstra, TIM Group, T-Mobile, Viettel Group, VNG and YTL.

Qualcomm highlights sensing as a built-in feature of 6G

Beyond faster speeds and better efficiency-typical goals for each new mobile generation-Qualcomm argues 6G will introduce new network-native capabilities.

The company said 6G would integrate sensing functions across the network, allowing systems to interpret the physical world using radio signals and combined data sources. “6G will natively integrate sensing capabilities across the network. By leveraging radio signals and multimodal data fusion, networks will be able to dynamically detect, classify and interpret objects and environments in real time,” Qualcomm said.

Such functionality could support applications including traffic monitoring and drone detection, among other uses, the company added.