Slicing the Spectrum — From Vodafone's SuperMobile to Space RAN & Robo-Taxis

In this episode of The 6G Podcast, Anshel Sag and Mike Dano break down the latest shifts across 5G Standalone deployments, spectrum efficiency milestones, non-terrestrial networks, and the intersection of 6G with autonomous vehicles.

Topics Covered:

Vodafone Three’s "SuperMobile" Slicing Launch:

Anshel and Mike discuss Vodafone Three UK’s new network slicing tier offering guaranteed minimum throughput (15 Mbps) and enhanced security. They weigh whether consumer and enterprise demand will finally justify standalone premium tiers, contrast it with BT's current stance, and evaluate whether the rollout arrives years too late.

Nokia & AI-RAN Spectral Efficiency:

A breakdown of Nokia’s recent push into AI-driven Radio Access Networks (leveraging Nvidia hardware) and their target of doubling spectral efficiency by 2028. Mike highlights real-world Ookla/RootMetrics benchmarks measuring current bits-per-hertz performance across carriers, while Anshel compares the targets to Qualcomm’s 6G projections.

Upper 6 GHz Field Testing in Europe & Asia:

MasOrange and Ericsson conduct upper 6 GHz trials in Spain, while KDDI and Samsung demonstrate multi-gigabit speeds using 3.6 GHz and extreme MIMO in Japan. The hosts explore how spectrum scarcity will shape regional 6G allocations, including the divergence between US Wi-Fi allocations and China's cellular focus.

Space RAN & Direct-to-Device Competition:

Canadian player MDA Space announces its "CHORUS" / Aurora LEO satellite constellation aimed at mobile network operators under the Space RAN banner. Mike and Anshel discuss consolidation in the D2D satellite market, Starlink’s momentum, and how satellite integration will define future 3GPP standards.

Elliott Management vs. Deutsche Telekom / T-Mobile US:

Activist investor Elliott Management challenges Deutsche Telekom's path to total control over T-Mobile US, pushing instead for share buybacks. The co-hosts look at the broader implications of T-Mobile’s executive turnover—including the departure of its CFO—and the geopolitical hurdles facing cross-border telecom ownership.

Autonomous Driving Reaches the Streets:

Mike and Anshel reflect on the rapid rollout of commercial robo-taxis across US cities, including Waymo expansions and Tesla Cybercab sightings. Anshel shares insights into the automotive development cycle, predicting the emergence of true 6G-connected autonomous vehicles around 2032 and the role ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) will play.