Anritsu Corporation has launched a new RF hardware option for its Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A, enabling support for the key FR3 (Frequency Range 3) band for next generation 6G mobile systems.
With this addition, the MT8000A platform now supports evolving wireless technologies, covering research and development through to final commercial deployment of 4G, 5G, and future 6G/FR3 devices.
Showcasing at MWC Barcelona 2026
Anritsu will present the new solution at MWC Barcelona 2026 (Mobile World Congress), the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition. The event will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2–5, 2026.
Why FR3 Matters for 6G
6G is expected to deliver ultra-high speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced safety and reliability that significantly surpass current 5G performance. As a result, international standardization efforts are accelerating toward commercial 6G release.
To enable high-capacity data transmission and wide coverage, 6G will rely on the FR3 frequency band (7.125–24.25 GHz). The Lower FR3 range, extending up to 16 GHz and building on the FR1 (7.125 GHz) band, is already included in discussions for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).
Scalable RF Hardware for Next-Generation Testing
Leveraging its expertise in wireless measurement, Anritsu has introduced a highly scalable RF hardware option for the MT8000A. The new solution supports the Lower FR3 band and covers both current and next-generation technologies.
Future 6G capabilities will be enabled through seamless software upgrades. This approach helps accelerate development and commercial release of 6G devices while ensuring long-term platform usability.
🔹 Development Background
The growing importance of the FR3 band for practical 6G deployment means existing 4G/5G test instruments, which support FR1 and FR2, require hardware upgrades.
FR3 also has distinct RF-related connectivity and communication quality characteristics compared to FR1 and FR2. As a result, dedicated FR3 RF testing is essential.
FR3-compatible instruments will support:
- 6G protocol testing to validate network connectivity
- Functional testing to evaluate service and application performance
These requirements are driving demand for a highly expandable and multifunctional platform like the MT8000A. The system supports existing 4G/5G devices as well as next-generation multimode 4G/5G/6G devices.
🔹 Product Overview: MT8000A Test Station
The MT8000A platform supports a wide range of 3GPP-based applications, including:
- RF testing
- Protocol testing
- Functional testing for 4G and 5G devices
With the addition of the new RF hardware option for 6G/Lower FR3 bands, the platform offers a long-term, cost-effective solution for developing future 6G devices.
Anritsu will continue supporting 6G/FR3 test capabilities through software upgrades. This strategy aims to advance next-generation communications and contribute to building a safe, reliable, and fully network-connected society.