- MasOrange and Ericsson completed 6 GHz trials, positioning the spectrum as a potential cornerstone of future 6G deployments and a critical enabler for AI-era connectivity
- The companies tested advanced 256TR antenna systems and beamforming technologies that could deliver four times the capacity of today's mobile network nodes while improving energy efficiency
- The 6 GHz band is expected to support emerging 6G use cases including AI-powered network services, digital twins, autonomous mobility, industrial monitoring and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC)
MasOrange is looking beyond 5G.
The Spanish operator said it successfully tested mobile network operations in the 6 GHz band alongside Ericsson, marking an early step toward preparing for the arrival of 6G around the end of the decade.
The companies said the trials validated the combination of coverage, capacity and efficiency that many in the telecom industry see as essential for next-generation wireless networks. Although 6 GHz spectrum has not yet been assigned in Spain, operators and vendors increasingly view the band as a strategic asset for supporting future network growth driven by artificial intelligence, automation and immersive digital services.
A major focus of the tests was next-generation radio technology. MasOrange and Ericsson evaluated advanced active antenna architectures that scale from today's 64-transmitter/receiver configurations to 256TR systems, potentially quadrupling capacity at individual cell sites. The trial also incorporated beamforming technology designed to dynamically direct wireless resources to users and devices where they are needed most.
The companies argue those capabilities will be critical as AI applications, digital twins and autonomous systems place greater demands on mobile infrastructure.
MasOrange said future 6G networks are expected to go beyond connectivity by integrating communications, sensing and intelligence into a single platform. Potential use cases include asset tracking, industrial automation, obstacle detection for autonomous mobility and real-time digital replicas of cities and infrastructure.
The trial adds to Spain's growing role as a testbed for advanced wireless technologies, with MasOrange positioning the work as part of a broader effort to prepare networks for the next wave of AI-driven demand.
Why it matters
For operators, the 6 GHz debate is increasingly becoming an AI capacity story. Industry players see the band as one of the few remaining mid-band spectrum opportunities capable of balancing coverage and capacity requirements for future services. Early testing by operators such as MasOrange offers a glimpse into how networks may need to evolve to support AI workloads, digital twins and other data-intensive applications expected to emerge during the 6G era.
Read the latest on 6G from Fierce Network
Engineers craft 6G. It’s marketers' job to sell it
Qualcomm keeps China in its 6G sights
NTIA tees up 4.4 GHz band for 6G study
US calls on allies to rally around 6G