First outdoor 6G call: Verizon and Ericsson test in the 7 GHz band
In California, Verizon and Ericsson say they have set up the world's first outdoor 6G connection. It is a pre-standard test; the 6G standard itself is not yet finished.
Symbolic image · Photo: Cvmontuy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
US carrier Verizon and Swedish network equipment maker Ericsson say they have completed the world's first outdoor 6G call. The test took place at a regular Verizon cell site in Concord, California, using spectrum in the 7 gigahertz band. Ericsson installed a proof-of-concept base station running software that anticipates a future 6G standard. The link used a 400 megahertz wide carrier. Both companies stress that this is a proof of concept, not a commercial 6G service.
The user device sat in a trailer measuring about 3.7 by 2.4 metres, fitted with various wall and window materials. This lets the partners measure how well the signal penetrates buildings from outside. According to Light Reading, transmitter and receiver were roughly 100 to 200 metres apart, and several positions were tested. Coverage, throughput, latency and stability are being examined, with and without line of sight and through foliage, obstacles and glass. The companies gave no figures on the speeds achieved.
The lower 7 GHz band between 7125 and 7400 megahertz is one of four frequency ranges being studied in the US for commercial 6G. In December 2025, the US administration gave the NTIA agency twelve months to finish its study and plan the relocation of federal users; the FCC could then prepare an auction. According to Light Reading, 6G specifications are expected to be finalised within the next two years. Verizon technology chief Yago Tenorio said the milestone showed how close collaboration generates key technical insights.