The United States and Sweden have announced a significant partnership to drive the development and deployment of 6G wireless technology. Recognising the critical role of wireless communications in modern society, both nations are committed to advancing this technology as part of their critical infrastructure, according to a joint statement by the US Department of State and the Kingdom of Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Memorandum of Understanding

This collaboration follows a meeting in early July between US President Joe Biden and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, where both leaders emphasised the need for joint research in 6G telecommunications. Building on this, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the US National Science Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, and the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) to collaborate in research-intensive areas, including 6G.

Focus Areas

Key areas of focus include harmonising frequency bands for future wireless services, developing open and interoperable architectures, and addressing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of wireless networks. Both countries are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive 6G ecosystem, supporting long-term research collaboration, and promoting the development of technologies that bridge digital divides, the joint statement said.

Future Plans and Global Impact

The partnership will also explore opportunities for joint experimentation with large-scale 6G testbeds and promote policies to build a resilient and skilled workforce in the telecommunications sector.

This joint effort will operate under the framework of the 2006 US-Sweden Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation. The partnership aims to not only benefit both nations but also contribute to global advancements in next-generation communications.