ANRITSU CORPORATION has introduced a new RF hardware option for its Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A, enabling support for the emerging FR3 (Frequency Range 3) band targeted for future 6G mobile networks. With this upgrade, the MT8000A now addresses the full lifecycle of wireless development—from 4G and 5G research and development to the eventual rollout of 6G/FR3 devices.
The company will present this latest solution at MWC Barcelona 2026, taking place March 2–5 in Barcelona, Spain.
As 6G aims to deliver significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and enhanced safety and reliability compared to 5G, global standardization activities are rapidly progressing toward its commercial introduction.
The key high‑capacity data transmission and wide-coverage features of 6G require using the FR3 frequency band (7.125 to 24.25 GHz), and the Lower FR3 band range up to 16 GHz, which extends from the FR1 (7.125 GHz) band, is already on the agenda for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) discussions.
By leveraging its long expertise in wireless measurement, Anritsu’s MT8000A test platform leads the industry with this highly scalable new RF hardware option supporting the Lower FR3 band, and covering both current and next‑generation technologies. Future 6G functions will be supported by seamless software upgrades, helping speed development and release of new 6G devices.
Development Background
The FR3 frequency band is increasingly important in achieving practical 6G devices, meaning current 4G/5G test instruments (supporting FR1 and FR2) require hardware upgrades.
Additionally, dedicated FR3 RF tests are required because FR3 and conventional FR1/FR2 bands have different RF-related connectivity and communication quality features.
Furthermore, FR3 test instruments will be essential for both 6G protocol tests to validate network connectivity, and for functional tests to comprehensively evaluate service/application performance.
These factors are driving demand for a highly expandable, multifunctional, and high‑performance test platform like the MT8000A covering both existing 4G/5G devices and next‑generation multimode 4G/5G/6G devices.
Product Overview and Features
Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A
The current MT8000A test platform supports a wide range of 3GPP-based applications, including RF, protocol, and functional tests for developing 4G/5G devices.
By adding this new industry-beating RF hardware option supporting 6G/Lower FR3 bands, Anritsu’s MT8000A platform assures long‑term, cost-effective use for developing future 6G/FR3 devices.
Anritsu’s continuing support for future 6G/FR3 test functions using MT8000A software upgrades will advance the evolution of next‑generation communications and help achieve a useful, safe, and stable network‑connected society.
