In a July 2026 blog reflecting on the Singapore plenary, Qualcomm’s Juan Montojo set out why 6G will keep the proven 5G air interface rather than reinventing it — a pragmatic, lower-risk path that protects existing investment.
An Evolution, Not a Revolution
Unlike past generational shifts that rewrote the radio, 6G follows a “inherit the mature base, focus on precise enhancements” principle. The industry consensus: retain validated 5G technology and extend it only where quantifiable gains appear, in system efficiency and user experience.
What Stays the Same
- Waveform — CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM remain the uplink/downlink baseline.
- Modulation — the 5G NR constellation is retained, while higher-order modulation and waveform shaping are explored.
- Frame structure — continued from 5G NR, with parameter-set and bandwidth refinements.
Why Buyers Should Care
A stable air interface means the 5G devices, routers and modules shipping today stay relevant far longer. The risk of a “forklift upgrade” at 6G is low; capabilities accrete on top of a known base. For our customers, that translates into longer-lived hardware and steadier upgrade cycles.