How can 6G improve citizens' lives?
In the FNS partner interviews, we feature a partner every week. Our partners give insight into the developments and innovations within their organisation and their role in 6G Future Network Services.
In a world where technology is constantly accelerating, the City of Amsterdam is playing a proactive role in preparing for the next generation of wireless communication: 6G. Daan Groenink and Raymond Cloesmeyer, representatives of the municipality, recently shared their insights on their involvement in the Future Network Services (FNS) program during an interview.
Preparing for 6G
Daan Groenink, working in the innovation department of the Municipality of Amsterdam, emphasises that the focus is on exploring new technologies such as 6G. He explains, ‘We deal with trends and emerging technologies, and 6G is an important example of that. We consider it essential to research and experiment with technologies that are inevitable in the future, so that we can increase our knowledge in time and be well prepared.’ With this approach, the municipality hopes to anticipate technological developments and make informed decisions on the deployment of new technologies.
Raymond Cloesmeyer, relatively new to this project, explains that his role stems from the need to understand the impact of 6G on infrastructure, such as transmission masts: ‘From the point of view of transmission masts, it is also interesting for the municipality. If 6G affects the physical properties of a masts, we would like to know early on.’
Experimenting for social added value
The City of Amsterdam is participating in Program Line 3 (Leading Applications) within the FNS program, aimed at developing new products and services that become possible on 6G networks. According to Daan, the aim of the municipality is not just to promote technology, but to look for applications that are actually useful for society: ‘We don't want to push technology; it has to have social added value.’ This pragmatic perspective means that the municipality is not only experimenting with new technologies, but also exploring how they can contribute to improving citizens' lives. Previous projects with 5G, for example, focused on applications such as drones. The idea is that once 6G becomes a reality, similar or even more advanced applications will be possible.
Implementation challenges
One of the biggest challenges in rolling out mobile networks in a city like Amsterdam, as pointed out by Raymond, is finding suitable locations for masts; this will be no different for 6G. This is a complex process, as the owners of rooftops are often individuals or businesses who may be reluctant to place masts on their property. Raymond notes, ‘Roofs are usually owned by individuals and various companies, not by the City of Amsterdam. People often do not find a transmitter mast in their immediate vicinity attractive; they would rather see it placed next door.’
Concerns about robustness
Besides the many possibilities 6G offers, there are question marks about the robustness this new technology is supposed to bring. Raymond acknowledges that the introduction of 6G will not be without its challenges, especially in terms of network stability and security. ‘It is essential to think about the robustness of 6G networks from the start,’ he explains. ‘In a world where we are increasingly dependent on connectivity, it is crucial that these networks are robust and secure so that they can withstand physical disruptions or cyber attacks.’
Collaboration and outlook
Although the municipality's involvement is still relatively modest at this stage of the project, Daan stresses the importance of collaborating with other cities and companies to share knowledge and experience: ‘Our role has been quite small so far. We would like to facilitate, and as plans become more concrete, we can make valuable contributions.’ Raymond also sees the need to maintain close ties with the telecom providers who will ultimately be responsible for the rollout of 6G. He stresses that the municipality can play a guiding role by determining which features of 6G are important for the city and its residents, even if they are not commercially attractive to the providers.
Future perspective
The City of Amsterdam's participation in the FNS program shows that the city is aware of technological advances and the impact they can have on everyday life. By thinking about the integration of 6G now, the municipality is preparing itself for a future in which connectivity and technology play an increasingly central role. Although the roll-out of 6G may still take years, the City of Amsterdam is determined to play an active and meaningful role in the development and application of this technology.