By Florence Muchai.
1. How is 6G going to improve the internet?
2. Countries working on global standards for 6G
3. Who is working on 6G so far?
6G technology is set to revolutionize global connectivity, offering ultra-fast speeds, lower latency, and enhanced AI-powered applications across industries.
International bodies like the ITU and 3GPP are working on global standards, while companies like Ericsson, NVIDIA, and SoftBank drive research and development.
Experts predict that by the end of the decade, 6G will enable innovations such as high-fidelity holograms, smart cities, and seamless digital-physical integration.
The next generation of wireless technology, 6G, is expected to change how people interact with technology and the world, adding more improvements to its predecessor, 5G. Tech companies are reportedly working on its development, and international discussions on regulatory standards for its commercial deployment are underway.
Since 5G was rolled out in 2019, mobile networks have seen improvements in speed, efficiency, and support for advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Still, 6G aims to take connectivity even further and could connect the digital and physical worlds to create intelligent systems that will improve the efficiency and workability of various industries.
How is 6G going to improve the internet?
6G could build upon 5G’s capabilities by delivering lower latency, higher reliability, and improved energy efficiency. It will benefit applications in telemedicine, power grid management, and navigation, among others.
The enhanced infrastructure will also speed up the adoption rate of AI-powered technologies, expanding IoT usage in smart cities, intelligent transportation, and even health and agricultural monitoring.
Experts predict that 6G will achieve peak data rates of up to 1 terabyte per second, a significant leap from 5G speeds. This advancement will accelerate the development of data-intensive technologies and new applications. With 6 G’s capabilities, innovations like high-fidelity mobile holograms, and immersive extended reality could become a reality.
According to a Tuesday report by tech news outlet RCR news, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, identified ubiquitous connectivity as a fundamental requirement for 6G. The feature could incorporate non-terrestrial networks and improve indoor wireless coverage.
An analyst with Disruptive Analysis and Disruptive 6G, Dean Bubley told RCR about the increasing recognition among governments and regulators regarding the importance of indoor wireless connectivity.
He pointed out that since most wireless traffic occurs indoors, Wi-Fi is the “most important part” of the development of 6G.
Countries working on global standards for 6G
Several news sources have confirmed that countries and companies are conducting their own research, but a “unified global standard for 6G” is needed for its effective deployment. The ITU is leading efforts to set these standards, with plans to finalize them by 2030 to facilitate the commercial launch of 6G.
The ITU is responsible for setting international telecommunications standards, including satellite, radio, and internet services. Research institutions and industry leaders are currently studying 6G network architecture and are expected to submit their findings to the agency as part of the standardization process.
Another global body involved in communications technology standardization is the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which includes organizations from China, Japan, the United States, India, South Korea, and Europe.
Who is working on 6G so far?
News roundups show several telecommunications and technology companies worldwide purportedly actively working on 6G research and development.
Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has partnered with SoftBank to develop next-generation technologies leading up to 2030. Their collaboration, under the ‘NextWave Tech’ initiative, will focus on innovations such as AI, Cloud RAN (Radio Access Network), Extended Reality (XR), and 6G.
Meanwhile, in Spain, IMDEA Networks has joined forces with UC3M, UAM, and UPM in the DISCO6G project, which the Madrid Regional Government funds. The initiative aims to integrate sensing and communication to mobile networks, allowing infrastructures to function as real-time distributed sensors in addition to transmitting data.
On March 18, NVIDIA and MITRE announced a partnership with technology firms T-Mobile, Cisco, ODC, and Booz Allen Hamilton, to explore AI-powered 6G networks.
“Next-generation wireless networks will be revolutionary, and we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure AI is woven in from the start,” said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang in a press release.
