The world is on the verge of a new technological transformation with the advent of 6G – the sixth generation of wireless communication. This is not just about faster internet speeds; it’s about redefining connectivity in a way never seen before. Imagine real-time AI assistance for higher connectivity, holographic communication and internet efficiency so powerful that it makes the connectivity seamless.
With 5G, we are in the fifth generation; it was a major upgrade for the world, providing significantly improved data speed and low latency. 5G was first developed in 2017 and came into general use later. It is currently implemented around the globe, and the world is still trying to get the most out of it. If 5G was an upgrade, 6G is a revolution. It will utilise ultra-high frequency signals, enabling data transfers at mind-blowing speed of up to 1 terabit per second, which is thousand times faster than 5G.
Imagine getting to download an entire movie within a second. But 6G aims higher than just providing better speed; it is focusing on creating a hyper-connected world, linking not just smartphones and computers but autonomous vehicles to even smart cities. According to reports, 6G is expected to roll out by 2030, transforming the technological landscape across the world, writes TAMANNA SINGH.
Who is leading the 6G race?
Several countries around the world are trying to take the lead in the 6G revolution. Currently China is racing ahead of all other countries, even the West. In March, this year Beijing announced a national development plan, prioritising “future industries” like 6G technology growth. China has already made significant strides by successfully conducting a satellite-to-ground laser transmission test, achieving 100 gigabytes per second. Various Chinese companies like Huawei, ZTE, China Unicom and China Telecom are actively engaged in research and innovation of 6G. Additionally, the government is providing excessive funding to accelerate the innovation. This indicates that China wants to stay ahead in the race and take over the 6G market.
Meanwhile, America has launched the “Next G Alliance” to ensure a competitive edge in 6G, and Europe is preparing to commence large-scale development this year. However, the West is functioning at a slower pace this time, which is an advantage for Beijing.
India’s Vision for 6G
India has launched the “Bharat 6G Vision” initiative, striving to be one of the key players in the 6G race. The country is already investing heavily in research and collaborations between universities and tech companies to develop 6G tech solutions. Further, through this initiative, New Delhi is collaborating with various countries and organisations like Finland’s 6G Flagship, Japan’s Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium, and the United States (via ATIS NextG Alliance) to share knowledge and expertise. Telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Ericsson and Nokia are also actively involved in the research and development of 6G.
The global race for 6G is more than just a competition; it’s a battle to define the next generation of connectivity. The country that manages to take the lead won’t just set technological benchmarks but will also dictate the future of the digital era.
