The central objective of the 2nd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit was to foster research and development collaborations between Australia and the global mobile communications industry and research community. This summit highlighted Australia’s potential contributions in this rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. 

Kylie De Courteney, Managing Director of the NSW Telco Authority (NSWTA), welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of connectivity. Dr. Ian Oppermann, Director of the Connectivity Innovation Network, stressed the significance of research and development in navigating the changing telecommunications landscape. 

Alison Port, Director of Engineering at NSW Telco Authority, discussed the substantial investment in 5G spectrum and its potential benefits, such as advancements in healthcare, flexible work environments, and GDP growth. She also highlighted the distinctions between 4G, 5G, and the expected 6G, including differences in speed, latency, and the ability to connect numerous devices. Ms Port stressed the importance of addressing challenges tied to 6G, such as spectrum management, device security, equitable access, and sustainability.  

A notable moment of the event was the virtual address by Dr. Mikko Uusitalo, Head of Research Department at Radio Systems Research Finland, Nokia. Dr. Uusitalo shared Nokia’s vision for 6G and the pivotal role Australia can play in its development. 

Dr. Bo Hagerman, Director of the Advanced Technology Group APAC at Ericsson, provided insights into the company’s roadmap for Beyond 5G technologies. He underscored the necessity for global collaboration in achieving industry objectives. Dr. Wonbin Hong, Mueunje Chair Professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology, offered an international perspective on 6G development, highlighting Australia’s potential role in the global telecommunications landscape. 

Distinguished Prof Jay Guo, Technical Director of the Connectivity Innovation Network, highlighted the limitations of 5G technology and the potential solutions offered by 6G technology. He delved into the challenges of achieving coverage, the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and the crucial role of environmental sensing, machine learning, innovation, and collaboration in advancing connectivity and sensing technologies.

In addition to these presentations, the summit included a panel discussion with experts such as Dr. Ian Oppermann, Distinguished Prof Jay Guo, Dr. Wonbin Hong, Dr. Bo Hagerman, and Louise Hyland from the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA). This panel explored various aspects of future telecommunications networks, touching on industry trends, research, and regulatory considerations. 

Connectivity Innovation Network’s Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit addressed the evolution of wireless communication technologies, the challenges in transitioning from 5G to 6G, and key points from speakers discussing various aspects of 5G and the potential for 6G technology. These insights included discussions on millimetre waves, use cases for 5G and the role of deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in a highly connected near future. The success of this event for a second year running serves as a testament to the importance of collaboration, innovation, and addressing the challenges posed by evolving communication needs.