NVIDIA Exec: U.S. Must Lead on AI to Win 6G Race

Artificial intelligence will be a key part of helping the United States win the race for 6G wireless technology, an NVIDIA official told Federal lawmakers earlier this month while urging strong national leadership to accelerate integration and ensure the United States crosses the finish line ahead of the world.

Ronnie Vasishta, senior vice president of telecommunications at NVIDIA, told members of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology that U.S. goals to deploy 6G by 2030 are at risk without action from Congress, and that slower domestic development efforts could let adversaries like China take the lead.

6G wireless is the next generation of wireless technology that will enable ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity.

“The train has left the station, and we’re losing time,” said Vasishta, who told lawmakers that early deployments of 6G may begin in 2028. “What is already clear is that whoever seizes the advantage in the development and the deployment of AI-native 6G will win the 6G race.”

Regaining leadership in wireless technology – which Vasishta noted the U.S. originally pioneered – will require integrating AI across telecom networks to boost efficiency, security, and resilience.

“The traditional implementations of radio access network have not required AI. There is some AI infusing, but the ability to really take advantage of AI, I think, leaves us at a significant disadvantage from all different assets,” said Vasishta.

He explained that merging radio access and AI infrastructure will be key in handling surging wireless network traffic driven by AI models.

“The traffic that comes over the telecommunications network, particularly the wireless part of the network, is continuously growing, and that’s where we really see the need for AI,” he testified.

To get there, the U.S. must ensure that AI-driven networks are software defined, enabling faster upgrades and the convergence of telecom and AI infrastructure on shared platforms to support emerging applications and create new economic opportunities.

“This convergence of AI and wireless infrastructure will fundamentally reshape the global telecommunications landscape,” said Vasishta. He added that through Congress’s investment in shaping international standards and backing domestic players “we can maintain U.S. leadership in AI.”

Vasista also pointed to the need to fund public-private research partnerships into AI to support innovation.

“We have some of the best researchers on AI within NVIDIA, and we work constantly with research organizations,” he said. “We need – they also need – funding as well to enable them to do their best work.”

During opening statements at a recent hearing, subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson, emphasized the need to continue to bolster U.S. leadership by encouraging “an environment where AI companies can innovate, compete, and excel on the global stage.”