Ericsson completed what it describes as the world’s first live 6G pre-standard over-the-air (OTA) session at its U.S. headquarters in Plano, demonstrating AI robotics control and real-time video streaming over a new centimeter wave band. The trial used 7 GHz spectrum with 400 MHz carrier bandwidth and a pre-standard 6G stack designed as AI- and cloud-native from the outset. The milestone positions the U.S. at the forefront of early 6G system validation as global standards development accelerates.
The demonstration integrated Ericsson radios, RAN Compute platforms, software-defined air interfaces, and cloud infrastructure capable of running on CPUs and GPUs. Engineers focused on uplink optimization, energy efficiency, and spectral utilization—areas viewed as critical for AI-driven workloads such as robotics, autonomous systems, and immersive applications. Ericsson said the OTA session validated key 6G building blocks at a system level rather than in isolated lab components, advancing readiness for commercial deployments later in the decade.
Ericsson tied the trial to its long-term U.S. investment strategy. The company employs more than 6,000 people nationwide and operates 12 R&D centers focused on AI, ASIC design, and antenna systems. It manufactures 5G radios and RAN Compute systems at its 300,000-square-foot (27,870 square meters) USA Smart Factory in Lewisville, where it has invested more than USD 150 million and supports more than 550 manufacturing jobs. As 6G matures, Ericsson plans to extend domestic production to next-generation equipment.
• World’s first live 6G pre-standard OTA session conducted in the U.S.
• Trial used 7 GHz centimeter wave spectrum with 400 MHz carrier bandwidth
• Focus areas: uplink performance, energy efficiency, spectral utilization
• Demonstrated AI robotics control and real-time video streaming
• Integrated radios, RAN Compute, and cloud-native software stack
• Manufacturing foundation anchored at Ericsson’s Texas Smart Factory
“Completing this world’s first live 6G trial in the United States is a tangible proof point that advanced wireless innovation, manufacturing, and research is anchored here – supporting U.S. leadership in next-generation connectivity,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson.
🌐 Analysis: Ericsson’s early 6G OTA validation aligns with growing global competition around AI-native network architectures and spectrum strategy beyond 5G Advanced. The company has increased its focus on cloud-native RAN and U.S.-based manufacturing in recent years, while rivals such as Nokia and Samsung also accelerate 6G research programs tied to 3GPP standardization and government-backed initiatives.
