Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 8, Nokia and KDDI Research have signed a joint research agreement to advance the development of sustainable, intelligent, and resilient 6G networks. The partnership, announced on November 5, 2025, aims to integrate KDDI’s real network data and operational expertise with Nokia Bell Labs’ advanced energy consumption models, innovative features, and experience in programmable network architectures.

Through this collaboration, the two companies intend to explore new methods for improving energy efficiency and distributed core network design, laying the groundwork for future 6G technologies. The agreement builds upon Nokia and KDDI’s long-standing partnership, combining KDDI Research’s leadership in advanced communications R&D with Nokia Bell Labs’ technological expertise in telecommunications innovation.

The joint research focuses on two main areas critical to 6G development. The first is mMIMO energy efficiency, which involves designing new techniques to reduce base station power consumption while improving communication quality, particularly for the proposed 6G spectrum. The second area is distributed programmable core network services for 6G, which aims to create mobile core technologies capable of maintaining uninterrupted communication even during infrastructure disruptions or natural disasters.

Peter Vetter, President of Core Research at Bell Labs, Nokia, said: “Tackling the inherent challenges in a new generation of networking requires close collaboration in the industry. Working side by side, KDDI Research and Nokia Bell Labs can advance the state of the art in networking thanks to different perspectives on the problems and possible solutions. Ultimately, the joint outcomes will make 6G a more resilient, efficient and intelligent technology.”

Satoshi Konishi, President and CEO of KDDI Research, stated: “Through our strategic and close collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs, we aim to accelerate R&D initiatives and further strengthen the 'Power to Connect' toward 6G. We strive to continuously deliver new value to our customers and make meaningful contributions to societal progress.”

The partnership is designed to push the boundaries of current communication technologies, ensuring that the next generation of mobile networks will meet growing demands for speed, reliability, and sustainability. The integration of real network data with advanced energy models is expected to produce practical innovations that move beyond theoretical research and toward real-world applications.

Both companies view the agreement as a milestone in shaping the global evolution of 6G, focusing on the dual goals of energy efficiency and operational resilience. By combining KDDI’s extensive experience in network management with Nokia Bell Labs’ technological leadership, the collaboration aims to develop intelligent systems capable of supporting future communication infrastructures.

The joint research initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, contributing to the creation of 6G networks that can adapt to dynamic environments while reducing energy use and enhancing connectivity reliability worldwide.