Stockholm, Sweden – November 26, 2025 — Stockholm’s Kista Science City is poised to transform the daily commute for thousands, as Sweden’s first public 6G testbed prepares to enable real-time holographic communication trials across the capital’s commuter rail network starting December 2025. This pioneering initiative, developed in close partnership with leading technology firms, academic institutions, and the City of Stockholm, marks a significant leap forward for digital connectivity and immersive communication in public spaces.
The new testbed, situated at the heart of Kista’s renowned innovation district, will allow commuters travelling between central Stockholm and the city’s northern suburbs to experience seamless, high-fidelity holographic calls for the first time. By leveraging the ultra-low latency and unprecedented bandwidth of 6G networks, the project aims to demonstrate how next-generation mobile infrastructure can support applications once limited to science fiction.
“Stockholm has always been at the forefront of digital innovation, but this project takes things to a new level,” said Dr. Karin Lindström, Director of Research at Kista Science City. “By bringing 6G-powered holographic communication to the public, we are not only showcasing Swedish technology leadership, but also exploring how these advances can enhance everyday life for citizens.”
The testbed will cover key segments of Stockholm’s Pendeltåg commuter rail system, with initial trials focusing on the busy routes connecting Kista, Sundbyberg, and Stockholm Central Station. Specially equipped carriages will feature interactive holographic booths, allowing passengers to participate in live three-dimensional conversations with friends, family, or colleagues located elsewhere in the city. The technology, developed in collaboration with Ericsson and researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, uses advanced sensor arrays and edge computing nodes installed along the rail corridor to maintain stable, high-resolution holographic streams even as trains travel at speed.
For Stockholm’s public transport authority, the project offers a glimpse into the future of connected mobility. “We see enormous potential in integrating advanced communications into our network,” said Anna Bergqvist, Head of Digital Services at Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL). “Beyond entertainment and personal communication, 6G could support real-time safety monitoring, dynamic passenger information, and even remote medical consultations for commuters.”
The public 6G testbed is the culmination of several years of collaborative research and development in Kista, a district long recognised as Sweden’s technology engine. Over the past year, Kista Science City has hosted a series of workshops and summits, bringing together industry leaders, start-ups, and policymakers to shape the vision for next-generation networks. The initiative builds on the momentum of recent projects in the area, including the deployment of smart city infrastructure, digital twins, and autonomous transport pilots.
According to project engineers, the holographic communication trials will push the limits of current mobile technology. Unlike traditional video calls, holographic conversations require the simultaneous transmission of vast amounts of spatial and visual data, demanding both high capacity and near-instantaneous response times. The 6G testbed employs a distributed architecture, with edge servers positioned at major rail stations to process and relay data locally, minimising delays and ensuring a lifelike experience.
Community engagement has been a central focus throughout the planning process. Local schools and universities are set to participate in educational workshops, giving students hands-on experience with the new technology. “We want young people to see themselves as creators, not just consumers, of future digital services,” said Dr. Lindström. “By opening up the testbed to the public, we hope to inspire the next generation of Swedish innovators.”
The project has also attracted interest from international observers, with delegations from across Europe scheduled to visit Kista in early 2026 to study the testbed’s impact. City officials believe the initiative could serve as a blueprint for other urban regions seeking to integrate advanced connectivity into public infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the partners behind the 6G testbed are already exploring additional applications, including immersive language translation, real-time sign language interpretation, and collaborative design platforms for remote teams. There are plans to gradually expand the coverage area to include other rail lines and public spaces, with the long-term goal of establishing Stockholm as a global leader in 6G-enabled urban services.
As December 2025 approaches, anticipation is building among both commuters and technologists. For many, the prospect of holding a holographic conversation while riding the rails is a tangible sign of how far digital innovation has come—and a preview of the possibilities that lie ahead for connected cities worldwide.
