ComSoc Technology News (CTN)

IEEE Communications Society

ComSoc Technology News (CTN) is a free, online podcast that discusses interesting, timely, and newsworthy articles that span a wide range of topics related to the communications technology industry. Our mission is to be an informational resource that brings diverse perspectives and thought leadership while providing a platform for lively discussion amongst our readers.

CTN is run by a team of volunteer editorial board members who are technical experts in diverse fields.

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#27
August 13 · 20 min
Episode 27: What went on creating ICC 2026 and its technical impact on 6G and beyond
The IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) is one of the world's two premier conferences in communications engineering, alongside IEEE GLOBECOM. Held in Glasgow, Scotland, from May 24–28, 2026, ICC 2026 centered on the theme "Connected World for a Sustainable Future," highlighting advances in AI-native 6G, non-terrestrial networks, and intelligent communications infrastructure. In this podcast, Prof. Aryan Kaushik speaks with Professors Ali Imran and Zeeshan Shakir about the vision, planning, and execution behind this flagship conference. They discuss the technical themes that shaped the event, the collaborative effort required to organize it, and how ICC 2026 once again exceeded participants' expectations. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik CEO and Director, OUF Innovative, UK IEEE CTN Senior Editor Chair, IEEE ComSoc TWG on ESIT and SIG on AITNTN Vice Chair WG3 one6G Prof. Muhammad Ali Imran Professor, University of Glasgow, UK Prof. Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir Professor, University of the West of Scotland, UK
#26
July 30 · 53 min
Episode 26: What are we expecting from 6G?: Waveform design and NTN perspective
Podcast #26 of IEEE Communications Technology News (CTN) features host Professor Aryan Kaushik in conversation with Professors Huseyin Arslan and Cicek Cavdar. Together, they reflect on the lessons learned from 5G deployment and explore how those experiences are shaping the evolution of 6G standards and technologies. The discussion examines key technology enablers, including advanced waveform design to support converged services, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to extend connectivity to underserved regions, and integrated sensing as a means of enabling new classes of applications and services. The speakers also discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in 6G, not only as a tool for network automation and optimization, but also as a foundational capability that will enable more intelligent, adaptive, and context-aware wireless systems. Rather than viewing 6G as a replacement for 5G, the conversation focuses on how the next generation of wireless networks can fulfill the original promises of 5G while introducing entirely new capabilities. Throughout the podcast, Professors Arslan and Cavdar offer thoughtful, practical, and balanced perspectives on the opportunities, technical challenges, and research directions that will define the path toward 6G. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik CEO and Director, OUF Innovative, UK IEEE CTN Senior Editor Chair, IEEE ComSoc TWG on ESIT and SIG on AITNTN Vice Chair WG3 one6G Prof. Huseyin Arslan Professor, Medipol University, Turkiye Prof. Cicek Cavdar Professor, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
#25
July 16 · 54 min
Episode 25: Gigantic MIMO and Quantum Communications - What, why and how?
Podcast #25 of IEEE CTN features host Professor Aryan Kaushik in a fascinating discussion with Professors Emil Björnson and Octavia Dobre on 6G, AI, and the practical challenges that must be addressed, and how they can be overcome, across many of the key technologies shaping future 6G networks. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from enhancing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to support conventional smartphones to forward-looking research areas such as quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum AI. Throughout the discussion, Professors Björnson and Dobre provide insightful, realistic, and practical perspectives on these emerging technologies and the opportunities and challenges they present This podcast is supported in part by IEEE ICC 2026, held in Glasgow, UK.
#24
July 1 · 23 min
Episode 24: Orbital Angular Momentum, THz, and ESIT: From Industry Perspective
In CTN’s podcast #24, Professor Aryan Kaushik, and Doctors Doohwan Lee and Hirofumi Sasaki from NTT discuss Electromagnetic Signal and Information Theory (ESIT) and how it is being applied to industrial research and real-world solutions. Dr. Lee and Dr. Sasaki share their methods and ideas to improve on known solutions by utilizing ESIT. Watch and discover why ESIT is rapidly becoming a source for innovation in advanced communications systems. Host: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor. Guests: Dr. Doohwan Lee, Sr. Distinguish Researcher, NTT, Inc., Japan and Dr. Hirofumi Sasaki, Distinguish Researcher, NTT, Inc., Japan.
#23
January 22 · 30 min
Episode 23: Non-Terrestrial Networks: Potentials and Challenges
Welcome to the era of the "3D Networks”! The distinguish panel of CTN’s podcast #23 explores the push toward 6G, and how the boundaries of connectivity are moving off the ground and into the skies. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) represent a paradigm shift in how we think about coverage. By integrating satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and drones with traditional ground-based towers, we are moving toward a world where "dead zones" simply don't exist. The importance of NTNs extends far beyond just "better cell service”, they are becoming the backbone of critical global infrastructure providing ubiquitous coverage, network resiliency, and integrated sensing capabilities. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G Prof. Gunes Karabulut Kurt, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in New Frontiers in Space Communications and Professor, Polytechnique Montréal Dr. Carla Amatetti, Junior Assistant Professor, University of Bologna Dr. Ayat Zaki Hindi, R&T scientist at Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
#22
January 12 · 43 min
Episode 22: Integrated Sensing and Communications: Standardization and Industry Updates
Welcome to CTN’s podcast episode 22, where we explore one of the most exciting frontiers in wireless technology: Integrated Sensing and Communications, or ISAC. Professor Aryan Kaushik hosts Dr Alain Mourad in this conversation where they unpack how ISAC is reshaping the future of wireless systems by merging communication and sensing into a unified framework. From next‑generation radar capabilities to smarter, more efficient networks, they walk you through the core concepts, emerging applications, and the research driving this rapidly evolving field. Watch and discover why ISAC is becoming a cornerstone of future 6G innovation. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G Dr. Alain Mourad, Senior Director, InterDigital, Inc.; and Chair of the ETSI Industry Specification Group on ISAC
#21
Aug 29, 2025 · 16 min
Episode 21: 6G Beyond Just Communications: Synergies of ISAC, AI, ESIT and NTN
In CTN’s podcast #21, professor Kaushik, host of the series, shares his views on 6G and Beyond Communications and the synergies with Sensing, Non-terrestrial networks and role that AI might play in this next generation of communications systems. Hosted by: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G l9yWP6EMAkRM82jpyPlQ
#20
Aug 27, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 20: Integrated Sensing and Communications and Non-Terrestrial Networks: Latest Advances and Synergies
Podcast #20 of CTN where we explore the technologies shaping 6G and beyond. In this episode, we dive into Integrated Sensing and Communications — combining radar-like sensing and high-speed data transfer into shared waveforms and hardware — and Non-Terrestrial Networks, linking satellites, high-altitude platforms, and UAVs for seamless global coverage. Professors Wonjea Shin and Aryan Kaushik discuss how this next generation of wireless technology will connect everyone and everything, enable new exciting services and how they coexist with each other.
#19
Aug 15, 2025 · 17 min
Episode 19: Holographic MIMO Communications and Demo
In episode 19 of CTN’s podcasts, we dive into the cutting-edge world of holographic MIMO communications, a potential game-changer for 6G networks! Join us as we explore how this revolutionary technology uses massive antenna arrays to shape signals with incredible precision, with the promise of boosting speed and efficiency. We’re happy to spotlight the work of Professor Boya Di from Peking University in this area, her research on reconfigurable holographic surfaces is paving the way for ultra-massive MIMO systems.
#18
Aug 8, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 18: 6G's Role in Connecting the Unconnected
Podcast #18 of CTN delves into a critical topic at the intersection of technology and society: the role of communication technologies in connecting underserved communities. Despite the global transition from 5G to 6G, up to one-third of the world’s population still lacks access to broadband or any form of connectivity. How can 6G finally bridge the much-discussed digital divide? In this episode, host Professor Aryan Kaushik and guest Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini explore this vital issue.
#17
Apr 14, 2025 · 38 min
Episode 17: All Things 6G and Sustainability
In podcast 17, professor Aryan Kaushik and Professor Lina Mohjazi discuss how sustainability can be intertwined into the fundamental design of 6G to create a sustainable ICT system but also an ICT system designed for sustainability. Professor Mohhazi discusses how their research focuses on how to understand the environment (users, traffic patterns, etc.) so that they can have a better design perspective on how they can come up with a system that’s capable of taking these environmental aspects, put them into constrains and design them into solutions without compromising the experience of the end user. This is a fascinating and relevant subject expertly presented by Professor Mohjazi. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK, Prof. Lina Mohjazi, University of Glasgow, UK
#16
Apr 7, 2025 · 24 min
Episode 16: Integrated Sensing and Communications for Future Wireless Networks
CTN Podcast discusses the latest book from Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK, on ISAC Technology, with contributions from over 50 experts worldwide including 10+ IEEE Fellows. ISAC is one of the new technologies that will make its way into 6G networks, and it promises to bring new and exciting applications that take advantage of communications and sensing technologies. In this book the fundamentals of ISAC are covered along with state of research and standardization efforts. The book is available in multiple formats at https://doi.org/10.1016/C2023-0-00539-8. Please listen to Professor Kaushik taking us on a tour of this very important publication.
#15
Mar 27, 2025 · 39 min
Episode 15: O-RAN, Digital Twin, and Machine Learning for Sustainable 6G
O-RAN, Digital Twin, Machine Learning, all very popular topics being researched as we march towards the next evolution of wireless. But what does it all mean and how do they work together to bring us a more efficient, cost effective and easier to deploy networks and services? Professors Antonino Masaracchia and Mona Jaber join our very own Professor Aryan Kaushik to discuss this very topic, providing us their current views, discussing research efforts while addressing challenges and gaps that still exist. Speakers: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK Prof. Mona Jaber, Queen Mary University of London, UK Prof. Antonino Masaracchia, Queen Mary University of London, UK
#14
Jan 22, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 14: Electromagnetic Signal and Information Theory, and Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces
In the podcast episode #14, Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor, chats with Prof. Marco Di Renzo on latest technology of Electromagnetic Signal and Information Theory (ESIT) which sets to unveil the fundamental limits of communication systems moving from first electromagnetic principles, and to develop electromagnetically consistent communication models, signal processing and optimization algorithms. The ESIT field is inherently interdisciplinary and intended to glue research across multiple scientific fields such as including communication and information theory, signal processing, antennas and propagation, electromagnetics, metamaterials, and optics. Within the framework of ESIT, Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces (SIM) is one of the emerging next generation technologies to enable smart radio environment. Tune in to our podcast and hear from experts on these topics. Led by both the professors in conversation, you can also follow the new IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT at https://www.comsoc.org/about/committees/emerging-technologies-initiatives/electromagnetic-signal-and-information-theory.
#13
Dec 18, 2024 · 43 min
Episode 13: Digital Twins, Context-Aided Communications and 6G Technologies
With podcast episode #13, CTN continues to explore the capabilities that will help make 6G a successful evolution of 5G. In this episode Aryan Kaushik, professor at Manchester Met and CTN’s senior editor, discusses digital twins, context aided communication and other interesting technologies with professors Tommy Svensson from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and Berk Canberk from Edinburgh Napier University in UK. Digital Twin has been a hot space for research as it promises to improve network efficiency and automation, while context aware and aided communication has been an area of great promise but still looking for maturity. Will these technologies be ready for 6G and how will they enhance 6Gs capabilities? Watch and find out.
#12
Dec 3, 2024 · 49 min
Episode 12: Fluid Antennas for 6G and Beyond
In Episode 12 of IEEE CTN podcast series Professor Aryan Kaushik and Professor Kai-Kit Wong discuss the concept of Fluid Antennas, or fluid antenna systems (FAS) which are software-controlled structures that can change their shape, size, and position to reconfigure their performance metrics. Can this modern concept help push the envelope of overall system performance? We also would like to encourage the listener to check out the newly established ComSoc Emerging Technology Initiative (ETI) at https://sites.google.com/view/ieee-consoc-eti-on-esit .
#11
Nov 6, 2024 · 21 min
Episode 11: 6G: The Way Forward with Important KPIs and Technologies
“6G: The Way Forward with Important KPIs and Technologies” is podcast #11 of IEEE’s ComSoc Technology News (IEEE CTN). In this podcast we are happy to have Professor Ana Garcia Armada from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and CTN’s Senior Editor Professor Aryan Kaushik from Manchester Met, UK sharing their views on what are the critical and important KPIs and technology adjustments that need to take place in order to make 6G the logical evolution in wireless communications. By identifying these key initial elements, R&D efforts can be more focused resulting in a smoother and valuable transition of the 5G era into the 6G era.
#10
Oct 25, 2024 · 35 min
Episode 10: one6G's Activities and Views on 6G Framework Technologies
In Podcast #10, CTN brings you the wisdom of three excellent academic and industry researchers working together in the one6G organization (one6G – Taking communications to the next level) which looks to define what 6G might be from the European perspective. The discussion from this group is quite engaging and showcases the challenges but also the opportunities that lie ahead for 6G, while discussing the value of 5G and 5GA as the anchor for 6G. The challenges are not only technical and one6G is always looking for partners that can help solve all issues. Our thanks to the panelists for sharing their perspectives.
#9
Oct 25, 2024 · 36 min
Episode 9: 6G Testbeds and Take on Key Enabling Technologies
In the previous podcast (#8) the speakers provided a perspective into the emerging 6G technologies and the state of industrial progress toward 6G. Podcast #9 continues to close the circle of pre-standardization and pre-commercialization activities with a discussion regarding early test beds being developed to prove either academically or by the industry the key technologies being researched for 6G. These include testbeds for sensing and communication (ISAC), experiments on localization and location awareness, integration of AI and communication and channel measurements for new spectrum to name a few. In this podcast, Professor Aryan Kaushik speaks with Professor Andrea Conti of the University of Ferrara, Dr. Paul Harris, Principal Wireless Architect, VIAVI Solutions and Mr. Meik Kottkamp, Principal Technology Manager, Rohde & Schwarz about their institutions pre-commercialization activities and how these will help pave the way to a successful introduction of 6G.
#8
Oct 25, 2024 · 30 min
Episode 8: Integrated Sensing and Communications: Industry Perspective
Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) has gathered significant attention from the academic community in recent years and it has also made its way into the ITU-2030 usage scenarios. 3GPP has also taken up work on sensing and on the integration of communications systems with sensing capabilities, with the objective to include support for ISAC in initial releases of 6G. Beyond academic work, industrial players are busy at work trying to figure out how to implement and introduce these capabilities into products and services once standards are completed. In this podcast #8 of CTN, Professor Aryan Kaushik speaks with Dr. Richard Stirling-Gallacher about what he sees as the steps toward standardization and industrialization of this exciting technology.

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