Connectivity has already come a long way, but the rapid pace of technological progress is forcing it to evolve even faster. 6G will become the next leap forward, fully integrating AI into all components of network infrastructure. This was stated by Ivan Lesich, CTO of Nokia Mobile Networks for Central and Southern Europe, during his speech at Silicon Mountains 2025 dedicated to the “Anatomy of AI.”

From 5G Advanced to New Horizons

Lesich reminded that the world is currently in the “middle age” of 5G. Since 2019–2020, trials, pilot projects, and the first innovations based on early 3GPP releases have been carried out. Today, in the era of 5G Advanced, networks allow combining multiple spectrum layers, customizing networks for specific use cases, and preparing for the emergence of AI-native connectivity.

He emphasized that progress does not stop. “It is a continuous process supported by key industry players,” Lesich said. Ongoing work within 3GPP, including Releases 18/19, is paving the way for the capabilities that will come with the transition to 6G. At the same time, the focus is shifting from radio networks to usage scenarios that demand high performance, reliability, and intelligence.

The expert paid special attention to devices. The terminal ecosystem is evolving together with the network. Smartphones and headsets are gradually giving way to connected sensors, machines, wearables, and any objects that benefit from being online. “Applications are also evolving: from traditional to AI-oriented. Every new video generator creates enormous amounts of data and puts pressure on the network,” Lesich explained.

Preparing for 6G: Spectrum, Architecture, and AI

According to Lesich, global demand for data is growing almost exponentially. By 2028, many markets will reach the practical limits of the current 5G spectrum. Therefore, it is important to prepare for the next step—6G. Lesich highlighted promising spectrum directions, such as the upper 6 GHz band, which will provide high capacity while maintaining coverage quality.

“We should not expect 6G to arrive as a sudden event in 2028–2030—the industry is already working on it,” he stressed. 6G must be efficient, architecturally simple, secure, support “connect-everything,” and scale easily. In this context, AI plays a key role: it is already integrated into commercial devices, software, and operational processes. Lesich identified three approaches to AI in the radio network: AI-on-RAN, AI-for-RAN, and AI-in-RAN, each improving planning, optimization, and real-time decision-making.

“The foundations of 6G are being laid today. The new generation of connectivity will unlock opportunities for applications we are only beginning to imagine,” Lesich noted. He emphasized that Nokia intends not only to participate, but to lead the industry, helping countries be ready from day one of 6G deployment.