Mobile networks demand resilience
Mobile networks are central to our lives in ways we rarely stop to consider. We assume they will always be there—until they aren’t. But on the threshold of 6G, it is worth asking: Are we doing enough to ensure these networks are as resilient as they need to be? The reality is that we are placing ever-greater demands on networks. The question is not whether these networks can hold under pressure—they can. The question is whether we are doing enough to prepare them for the evolving demands of an increasingly uncertain world.
In recent years, we have seen how quickly unexpected events—pandemics, geopolitical tensions, economic slowdowns—can reshape the telecommunications landscape. Governments and emergency services have long depended on commercial networks, trusting they will function under all circumstances. As these networks take on an even greater role in public safety and crisis response, ensuring their resilience must remain a shared priority.
There are steps we can take, many of them pragmatic and within reach. Mobile networks should be able to operate independently of power grids for longer periods. Renewable energy and intelligent energy storages could play a greater role in keeping them running. Networks should be able to adjust intelligently, optimising energy use in times of malfunction or disruptions. We need better mechanisms to reroute traffic when parts of the network go offline. These are not futuristic ideas, nor do they need to wait for 6G.
At 6G Flagship, we have worked hard to push these discussions forward. When we launched the world’s first 6G research programme in 2018, before 5G had even been fully deployed, some wondered if we were getting ahead of ourselves. But research is about anticipating what comes next, preparing for challenges before they become urgent. Today, our programme has grown into the world’s largest academic effort on 6G, bringing together expertise from radio technology to AI-driven network management, from materials research to future applications. This work matters—not just for the next generation of networks but for the broader question of how we build connectivity that serves society in the long run.
Research alone is not enough though. The pace of technological progress must be matched by investment, policy, and industry engagement. The economic pressures on telecom operators are real. 5G arrived with ambitious promises, but the business case for many of its most transformative applications has been slower to materialise. The industry must balance the need for innovation with financial realities. A fixation on short-term returns risks weakening the very foundations of future resilience.
Another challenge is talent. The demand for expertise in mobile networks is immense. We at the University of Oulu see it firsthand. Many of our best researchers are recruited by industry before they even complete their doctorates. This speaks to the strength of our research, but it also raises questions about how we sustain a long-term pipeline of innovation.
Finland has an opportunity to be a global leader in this space, but we must also ensure that policies support the attraction and retention of top talent. Research is an international endeavour—progress happens when the best minds can collaborate freely.
So, where does this leave us? On the verge of 6G, yes, but also at a moment when we need to think carefully about what we are building. The choices we make now will shape the networks of the future—not just in terms of speed and capacity but also in terms of reliability, adaptability, and their role in society. These are not abstract concerns; they are pressing, practical questions. More eyes and minds on these challenges can only strengthen the outcome.
Resilience, sustainability, and long-term vision must be at the heart of how we develop mobile networks. If we get this right, we will have more than just better technology. We will have infrastructure that serves its purpose when it is needed most.
Director, 6G Flagship