6G Is Not Yet Here, but Qualcomm Is Already Here: Giants Team Up to \"Draw a Promise\" or Real Action?

Barcelona — 5G isn't fully popular yet, but 6G's "promise" is already being drawn.

At MWC 2026, Qualcomm led the formation of a "6G Global Coalition," with members including almost all tech giants like Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Nokia, and Ericsson. Meanwhile, EU announced an additional 11.6 billion euro investment in 20 6G projects.

Is this real strategy or just making promises?

Qualcomm's "Coalition"

"We're not making empty promises — we're paving the road," Qualcomm's CEO said at the launch.

This so-called "6G Global Coalition" has a star-studded lineup: Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Nokia, Ericsson — basically covering all major global tech companies and communication equipment vendors.

The coalition's goal is clear: set 6G standards, promote technology R&D, and ensure "the West" doesn't fall behind China in the 6G era.

"4G was dominated by Europe and the US, 5G was dominated by China," a communications industry analyst said. "In 6G, everyone wants to control the narrative."

EU's "Anxiety"

EU's 11.6 billion euro investment is ostensibly about "digital sovereignty."

"We can't fall behind in 6G again," the EU digital commissioner said in an MWC speech. "This time, we want to control our own destiny."

But industry observers note the EU's anxiety is well-founded. From the 5G experience, Europe had almost no presence in communication equipment — Nokia and Ericsson still exist, but the market is mainly dominated by Huawei and ZTE.

"The EU wants to use 6G to make a comeback," the analyst said. "But whether it can succeed, it's hard to say."

China's "Calmness"

Facing the West's 6G coalition, China appears calm.

"6G standards aren't finalized yet — now they're the ones rushing," a Chinese communications industry source said. "And from 5G experience, whoever commercializes first has the advantage."

Indeed, China leads globally in 5G commercialization, with base stations accounting for over 60% of the global total. Will this advantage carry over to 6G?

"Hard to say," an industry veteran noted. "But China certainly won't be a bystander."

Promise and Reality

Back to the original question: Is the 6G coalition real strategy or just making promises?

From a technical perspective, 6G is still in the "vision" stage. Key core technologies like terahertz communication, intelligent reflecting surfaces, and integrated satellite-terrestrial networks are not mature yet.

"6G commercialization is at least 8-10 years away," a technical expert said. "The current coalition is more about 'positioning' — securing a spot first."

From a commercial perspective, the coalition does have value. Standard-setting has always been the result of all parties' negotiations. Participating early means having a say.

Epilogue

At MWC, I met an exhibitor from Germany. He told me that although 6G is far away, "we must participate."

"Not participating means elimination," he said. "This is the communications industry's rule."

Perhaps this is the significance of the 6G coalition: not needing to use it now, but ensuring you have a place in the future.

Reference: Open Access Government, Mobile World Live, Trusted Reviews