12 May 2025

A strategic vision for the future of telecommunications, where artificial intelligence (AI) serves as the cornerstone of next-generation networks, has been presented in a new white paper released by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme. The research detailed in the document, outlines how governments, telecommunications operators, and technology developers can integrate AI across terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks to enhance global connectivity and reduce latency.

The white paper demonstrates how AI is revolutionising network architecture from radio access networks to core infrastructure. The integration of advanced technologies such as federated learning, generative AI and network data analytics functions are proving instrumental in optimising network performance whilst maintaining robust data privacy standards.

Looking towards the horizon of 6G networks, the white paper positions AI as a fundamental building block rather than a mere enhancement. The research explores cutting-edge hardware developments, including quantum advancements and CubeSats, which will serve as crucial enablers for AI-native 6G networks. The concept of AI for the cyber-physical world introduces revolutionary applications such as digital twins and physics-aware AI, promising to reshape network infrastructure management.

ESA is supporting a competitive connectivity industry with interoperable and adopted standards being crucial for this. The research examines AI standardisation through the lens of 3rd Generational Partnership Project (3GPP) efforts, which enables industry-wide alignment. This standardisation framework proves crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse network environments, a key consideration for policymakers working to foster technological innovation whilst maintaining system compatibility.

For decision-makers, the white paper emphasises the importance of strategic investment in AI technologies and advocates for collaborative frameworks to ensure secure and efficient transition to 6G systems. The research underscores the necessity for proactive policy development to support this evolution whilst addressing critical considerations around data privacy, security, and ethical AI deployment.

“AI is transforming lives and businesses across the world. It is crucial that ESA enables and encourages responsible industry-wide adoption to ensure the competitiveness on the global market. The early adoption and strategic alignment with AI-driven telecommunications will be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the global digital economy. ESA is already driving this AI-driven 6G non-terrestrial networks through its 6G Satellite Precursor initiative, supporting European industry to foster positive change for the lives of citizens and enable new opportunities across the economy,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme.

“AI is redefining how networks are designed, operated and optimised, from Radio Access Networks (RANs) and core automation to edge intelligence and user device adaptability. This white paper outlines how AI’s convergence with terrestrial and non-terrestrial network technologies, guided by evolving 3GPP standards, is laying the groundwork for truly intelligent, self-optimising 6G networks. Explainability and transparency will be critical to building AI-native networks that are trustworthy, resilient, scalable, and ready for 6G,” said Ana Stroescu, Internal Research Fellow at ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme, part of the Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate.

Read the white paper in full.