DOCOMO and VIAVI Demo AI for 6G
NTT DOCOMO and VIAVI Solutions announced they have successfully demonstrated AI-driven radio control for future 6G networks. The joint study used a digital twin and AI to reduce control overhead, achieving up to a 20% improvement in network throughput.
The use of a "digital twin" is a crucial step in the race to 6G, allowing for complex simulations and performance analysis before costly physical infrastructure is built. This approach enables the testing of new technologies like AI-driven network control in a virtual environment, significantly reducing development time and risk for the next generation of wireless technology. The global 6G market is projected to grow substantially in the coming years, with some estimates predicting a market size of over $57 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for ultra-fast and reliable networks with low latency to support future technologies. North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of this market. Commercial deployment of 6G is expected to begin around 2030, with standardization efforts solidifying in the late 2020s. This next-generation network is anticipated to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, enabling new applications like real-time holographic communication, advanced robotics, and city-scale digital twins. The development of 6G is a global effort with key players including Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson. In North America, the Next G Alliance is a leading initiative, with founding members that include major Bay Area tech companies like Apple, Google, Intel, and Qualcomm. This strong presence from Silicon Valley companies underscores the critical role of AI and software in shaping the future of telecommunications. This advancement opens up new business models and economic opportunities, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, which will rely on the ultra-low latency and high-capacity of 6G networks. The integration of AI is expected to create new revenue streams for telecom operators, with some estimates suggesting a significant return on investment for AI radio access network infrastructure. For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, NTT DOCOMO reported revenue of JPY 4,659,700 million. The company is a major player in the global push for 6G, actively involved in research and development and collaborations with partners like Nokia. VIAVI Solutions, based in San Jose, is a key provider of testing and measurement equipment for the telecommunications industry. The company plays a significant role in the development of 6G by providing the necessary tools to validate new technologies. For its fiscal year 2025, VIAVI reported net revenue of $1.08 billion. The move towards 6G is expected to create a demand for new skills and job roles, particularly in areas like wireless systems engineering, AI and machine learning, and network architecture. Professionals with expertise in these areas will be well-positioned for career growth as the industry transitions to the next generation of wireless technology.
