- Qualcomm is evolving 5G core principles
- The vendor is also introducing new architectures to enable 6G deployment and interoperability
- Preparing for 6G means understanding future device connectivity, data flow and predictive network needs for enterprises and industry verticals
6G demos at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona are starting to move from theory to practical demonstration, making the next G standard both a theme and a meaningful focus of the show.
Commercial deployment is still a few years away, but the work underway worldwide on the 6G spec is laying the foundation for AI-native, predictive and globally interoperable networks.
In the middle of the activity sits Qualcomm, a pioneer in wireless innovation, one of the largest U.S. patent holders in mobile technologies and now aggressively pursuing 6G leadership.
I called the executive in charge of Qualcomm’s 6G strategy, John Smee, SVP of Engineering, to discuss what 6G means in 2026, how enterprises and service providers should prepare and why AI and device connectivity will redefine the network experience. From multi-device constellations to connected robotics and industrial applications, 6G is not just faster broadband — it’s about transforming the way information flows across devices, compute layers, and the cloud.
In our conversation, Smee outlined the evolution from 5G to 6G, highlighting standardization, the continued reuse of radio frequency and waveform principles and the integration of sensing and predictive analytics into network operations.
He also emphasized the importance of global standards, differentiated services and quality of service that cellular networks bring — capabilities that Wi-Fi cannot match at scale.
Smee said Qualcomm will showcase 6G technologies at MWC 2026, where the team promises demonstrations that make the concepts tangible — showing not just theoretical innovation but live applications that hint at the AI-native, globally connected 6G future and the global digital economy.
Interview: John Smee, SVP of Engineering, Qualcomm
Steve Saunders: John, we have MWC coming up, and obviously 6G is going to be a really big part of that show. What are the pieces of 6G that you are most excited about right now?
John Smee: Yeah, so here in 2026, I’m incredibly excited because 6G is now real. We’re starting with a huge number of technology demonstrations, really looking at the opportunities in front of us. 6G is going to be AI-native. We’re looking at connectivity, sensing, compute, and the standardization work has now started. We have a really exciting four years in front of us. Qualcomm is driving the standard. We are doing an amazing amount of work.
Saunders: What should enterprises, service providers and industry verticals like energy or transportation be looking for when 6G arrives?
Smee: If we look at 5G, it brought massive downlink capacity and multi-device connectivity. 6G will continue that and improve uplink and coverage. That’s critical because device-generated data, especially from connected AI devices, needs to flow back to the network. Enterprise examples include connected robotics — collecting and processing sensor data from multiple machines. 6G is going to transform how that happens.
Saunders: Full duplex, not one way. And it’s not just individual devices — we hear about the “internet of trillions.” Can 6G handle that?
Smee: Absolutely. The surface area of wireless connectivity continues to expand. Devices aren’t just updating anymore; they’re sharing sensor information and cloud-bound data, and they’re interacting across the telco edge and core. This continuum is only getting more complex. Satellite and non-terrestrial networks from 5G will continue to grow, making 6G globally connected.
Saunders: I understand 6G edge will use a standalone 5G core. Is that right?
Smee: Not exactly. The 6G core will evolve from 5G, leveraging existing hardware and software while introducing new functionality. We’re focused on cost-effective upgrades, integrating AI and accommodating future traffic patterns, including augmented and virtual reality and connected IoT.
Saunders: And AI is central?
Smee: AI is both a tool and a use case. It helps optimize the network, predict traffic and deliver differentiated service. We’re moving from a statistical framework to a predictive one, better understanding user data needs across devices and compute layers. 6G is not just about communication — it’s communication, sensing and computing, all integrated together.
Saunders: Predictive networks are an interesting shift. I was talking to a carrier’s head of AI earlier today, and they said they’re excited to one day have networks that can predict problems before they happen.
Smee: Exactly. That’s where the transformative power of 6G lies — proactive optimization and seamless coordination across network, device and compute.
Saunders: Are you excited about this?
Smee: Absolutely. It keeps my team motivated. AI influences algorithms, hardware mapping, and software design — all to be cost- and energy-efficient while meeting future application needs. Pre-commercial devices in 2028 are setting the stage for 2029 launches. Our goal is large step-function improvements with each generational opportunity.
Saunders: What advice would you give enterprises and service providers preparing for 6G?
Smee: First, understand how your users, employees and devices are connecting today and how that is evolving. Multi-device connectivity will grow — 5G laptops today, 6G AR glasses tomorrow. Second, anticipate new AI-driven applications. Third, think about traffic patterns — moving from mostly downlink to full duplex and peer-to-peer communications.
Saunders: So, 6G will do what Wi-Fi can’t?
Smee: Exactly. Cellular networks deliver quality of service, differentiated services and uplink coverage everywhere. That’s immersive, seamless connectivity that Wi-Fi cannot match at scale.
Saunders: How do vertical industries benefit?
Smee: Automotive, logistics, enterprise AR, communications — 6G networks support uplink-heavy data, predictive analytics and global interoperability. That’s where the value comes from. It’s a standardized, globally compatible network that enables a new digital economy.
Saunders: And Qualcomm will showcase this at MWC 2026?
Smee: Yes, our full team will be there to demonstrate how 6G is real today and preview the opportunities ahead.
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