Sweden has been named among 24 partner countries supporting a new US-led initiative on secure 6G networks. The partnership aims to coordinate national strategies before the next generation of mobile technology reaches the market in the 2030s.
The International Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security will focus on secure networks, technical standards, innovation and telecom supply chains. Its public launch is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 July 2026, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which will host the event in Washington.
In brief:
- Main development: Sweden is supporting a US-led international 6G initiative.
- Where: The partnership includes countries in Europe, Asia, North America, Central America and Oceania.
- Who is involved: The United States and 24 partner governments.
- Why it matters: Participants want to influence security, supply chains and international standards for future mobile networks.
- What happens next: The initiative will be publicly launched in Washington on 29 July 2026.
Sweden 6G initiative focuses on security
The initiative is coordinated by the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration, known as NTIA. It is part of the US Department of Commerce and advises the American government on telecommunications and internet policy.
According to Politico, participating countries will appoint government contacts, exchange technical knowledge and work together as 6G moves from research towards international standards and commercial use.
The call supports an open, compatible, secure and resilient global communications system. It also states that 6G should encourage innovation, use resources efficiently and include artificial intelligence in its design.
Arielle Roth, who leads NTIA, said the initiative represents a high level of international coordination on the future of communications technology.
“We must take concrete action to strengthen our 6G supply chains, accelerate innovation and ensure that the future of wireless communications is shaped by like-minded nations,” the call states, as quoted by Politico.
Twenty-four countries back the partnership
In addition to the United States, the initial list includes:
- Albania
- Australia
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- the Philippines
- Romania
- South Korea
- Sweden
- the United Kingdom
Sweden is one of four Nordic countries on the list. Denmark, Finland and Norway are also taking part, while Iceland was not included among the initial participants reported by Politico.
Sweden will also be represented at the launch event. Demi Bylon, technology, cyber and space attaché at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, is scheduled to join a discussion on cooperation between governments and private companies.
The plan includes targets for the first month, three months, six months and one year. Participating governments are also expected to meet in person in 2027 to review progress, discuss the security situation and set further priorities.
US wants to limit China’s influence
The partnership is also connected to competition between the United States and China over telecommunications technology.
Politico reported that Washington wants partner countries to work together before international 6G standards and supply chains are fully established. US officials believe early cooperation could reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and limit China’s influence over the future system.
During Donald Trump’s first presidential term, the United States urged allied countries to restrict the use of equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. American officials said the companies presented national security risks because of their possible links to the Chinese state.
The new initiative does not require every participating country to take identical measures. Each government will decide how to support 6G development, while working towards common goals for security, innovation and network resilience.
Commercial 6G networks are not yet available. Swedish telecom company Ericsson expects 6G technology to become ready for commercial markets in the early 2030s, although research, testing and standardisation are already under way.
Sweden already works with US on 6G
The new call to action extends Sweden’s existing international work on future mobile networks.
In February 2024, Sweden joined the United States and several other countries in endorsing shared principles for future 6G policies. The countries agreed that 6G should be secure, open, sustainable, reliable and accessible.
Swedish innovation agency Vinnova, the Swedish Research Council and the US National Science Foundation also established a research and innovation partnership covering 6G, artificial intelligence, sensors and quantum technology.
In March 2026, Sweden became a member of the Global Coalition on Telecommunications. The coalition develops international telecom policy and has published security and resilience principles for 6G networks.
The United States and Sweden also signed a wider Technology Prosperity Deal in May 2026. It includes cooperation on 5G and 6G research, network security, cloud technology and international telecommunications standards.
The new 6G initiative will be formally presented at the Washington event on 29 July. NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar are among those scheduled to speak.
