A First in Delft: 6G Test Tower Live at 600 MHz
The Netherlands is taking a major step toward the next generation of mobile networks. The Future Network Services (FNS) program, led by TNO, is putting a 600 MHz test mast into operation on the TU Delft campus. The antenna is one of the first in Europe to use the latest technology (5G-Advanced Release 18), from which 6G will evolve. FNS designed the infrastructure with a strong focus on “ultra-resilience,” which is crucial for a society that is becoming increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure.
600 MHz: The driving force behind nationwide 6G coverage
The 600 MHz frequency enables nationwide 6G deployment. A new subgroup of the European Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) is currently investigating its broad application. For example, the low frequency offers better coverage over longer distances and through obstacles. The test mast in Delft evaluates these benefits under realistic conditions and is part of the National 6G Testbed, which FNS has deployed at five locations in the Netherlands. In this way, FNS provides companies and research institutions with early access to the network technology of the future.
First use case: a smarter power grid
The first application is the real-time control of the power grid. Within the FNS work package “Grid Interactive Building,” organizations including TNO, TU Delft, Nokia, Do Iot Fieldlab, Comforest, AIMZ, and Integer Technologies are collaborating on a smarter, more flexible, and more efficient energy grid. This optimization helps prevent congestion caused by overloads. Furthermore, it is important for the resilience of the Dutch energy infrastructure, especially now that the risk of critical situations is increasing.
The new technology enables local data exchange for up to 72 hours, even in the event of a power outage or network failure. That same infrastructure offers scope for many applications. Think of providing reliable information to citizens in emergencies, or critical IoT healthcare applications where even the smallest disruption can have disastrous consequences. To achieve this, however, the parties involved must first resolve the issue of 600 MHz coexisting with wireless microphones and public broadcasters.
On the Road to 2030
6G is expected to be commercially available around 2030. This test tower is the next milestone, demonstrating the importance of early collaboration between industry, academia, and government for the Netherlands’ digital autonomy. The Netherlands aims to take a leading position within Europe and is encouraging entrepreneurs, scientists, and research institutions to quickly become “6G-ready.” In the coming years, FNS will open new high-tech test facilities in multiple locations, where researchers and companies can further develop and test the applications of the future.
