Qualcomm to Reveal 6G Innovations and AI-Driven Wireless Solutions at MWC 2025

Qualcomm has unveiled its strategy for developing 6G wireless technology, with plans to showcase several innovations at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. The company aims to begin standardising 6G cellular technology this year, focusing on enhancing spectral efficiency and improving coverage across all bands through new techniques. Qualcomm is also heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI), integrating it into various network layers and devices.

The company's vision for 6G involves a native AI system where future networks can dynamically adjust parameters based on real-time conditions like interference levels, traffic load, and user mobility. This year, Qualcomm's focus is on enhancing two core wireless network capabilities: coverage and capacity. AI-native protocols could enable networks to learn and adapt over time, potentially optimising performance tailored to individual applications and devices.

Advancements in AI-Enhanced Networking

To realise its 6G Vision, Qualcomm's research emphasises collaboration between networks and devices using AI. The US-based chipmaker has already started designing a two-sided AI-enhanced channel state feedback (CSF) in 5G Advanced. This recently introduced networking technology claims to bring AI and machine learning enhancements across the radio access network (RAN), Core, and network management layers.

Qualcomm is also upgrading its MIMO system designs to support new spectrum in the upper "FR3" midband, ranging from 7-15 GHz. Proposed by the World Radio Conference in 2023, this band covers frequencies from 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz, offering around 400 MHz of new wide-area bandwidth. Simulations and extensive over-the-air testing of the new FR3 Giga-MIMO system have reportedly resulted in significant throughput gain and coverage comparable to sub-7 GHz.

Collaborations with Industry Leaders

The company is collaborating with industry leaders such as Nokia Bell Labs and Rohde & Schwarz to demonstrate the benefits and scalability of the new AI-enhanced air interface design. Qualcomm aims to work with spectrum regulators to prepare this band for deploying the 6G network.

Notably, 5G Advanced is seen as a crucial step towards standardising 6G technology, debuting with the 3GPP Release 18 last year. This advancement marks an important milestone in Qualcomm's journey towards realising its ambitious goals for next-generation wireless communication.

Qualcomm's efforts reflect a broader trend in the telecommunications industry towards integrating AI into network infrastructure. By leveraging AI capabilities, companies aim to create more efficient and adaptive networks that can meet the growing demands of modern communication technologies.