The Future Network Services consortium will receive 61 million for the first phase for the development of the next generation of mobile communications networks: 6G. In June, the proposal was conditionally awarded 203 million from the National Growth Fund. The consortium, consisting of dozens of telecom companies, technical universities and knowledge institutions, can now start with the aim of developing a strong Dutch 6G ecosystem between 2024-2030. The potential of 6G is promising because it can send data about a hundred times faster compared to 5G, with low delay. The capacity of 6G can also provide many more wireless devices with the internet, without slowing down the speed.
Growth fund is the driving force behind innovation
The potential of 6G is created by innovative network technology and 'smart' semiconductors in combination with photonics (data exchange via optical signals).
The Netherlands has world-class knowledge and industrial experience in the field of network innovation, semiconductors and mobile applications to capitalize on the opportunities for the development and use of 6G. The FNS consortium combines this knowledge and experience to jointly take a decisive position in the development of 6G and protect the digital infrastructure of the Netherlands.
It is precisely because of the contribution from the Growth Fund that a group of 60 public and private parties can work together on the development of 6G. This development contributes to our country's earning capacity and creates a strong competitive position. The Growth Fund is the only subsidy instrument that subsidizes and encourages major innovations like this. Without this contribution, this large-scale, long-term collaboration would not have gotten off the ground.
Intelligent hardware and software
The Future Network Services Consortium focuses on the development of components, networks, and applications for 6G. The program was developed by 60 partners, led by TNO. The consortium also consists of leading telecom and semiconductor manufacturers, mobile operators, ICT companies, knowledge institutions and governments.
The integrated approach is unique to this program: the improved performance of 6G is achieved with intelligent hardware and software, which ensure more flexibility of the network. This also provides the necessary control to make networks and applications more reliable and sustainable. By closely connecting technology and applications, the market opportunities of Dutch companies active in radio components, antennas and network software increase.
FNS is working together in a European context to make these technologies part of the international 6G standards. In this way, it meets social requirements in terms of reliability, digital sovereignty and sustainability.
In this way, FNS contributes to the competitive position of the Netherlands with a digitally skilled population and powerful digital infrastructure. This takes into account the accumulation of knowledge and expertise that is needed in university, higher professional and intermediate vocational education and in SMEs to develop 6G innovations.
Follow-up
Starting this month, the team will begin preparations to start the first phase of the FNS project on January 1, 2024. In addition, the consortium submits a proposal for the second phase of the project. In the event of a positive evaluation of the results of this first phase in 2026 and an approved proposal for the second phase, the reservation of € 142 million for this second phase will become available.
