By 2030, sixth-generation wireless technology, commonly referred to as 6G, is expected to be commercially available in regions with the necessary infrastructure, including China, according to experts.
This revelation came during a experts panel discussion at the 6G Innovation and Development Forum, held in conjunction with the 2024 Beijing Zhongguancun Forum this Saturday.
Dai Xiaohui, the secretary-general of the China Communications Standards Association, shared insights into the capabilities of 6G, which include significantly higher speeds, ultra-low latency, and increased connection density. “6G technology will facilitate the deep integration of artificial intelligence, intelligent perception, and other cutting-edge technologies,” Dai explained, highlighting the transformative potential of 6G networks.
The forum also featured Huang Yuhong, the general manager of the China Mobile Research Institute, who emphasized that 6G will extend beyond traditional communication services. According to Huang, 6G will incorporate additional functionalities such as perception and computing, effectively evolving the mobile communication network into a more comprehensive mobile information network.
Gao Tongqing, deputy general manager of China Mobile Communications Group, further elaborated on the impact of 6G on society. “6G technology is poised to revolutionize our lifestyles, production methods, and even the way we innovate in social governance,” said Gao, underscoring the broad implications of these technological advancements.
A key development in the progression towards 6G has been the initiative taken by Beijing to foster a conducive environment for testing and development. “Beijing has taken the lead in establishing a public test platform and has already started constructing a 6G open test network,” stated Xu Xinchao, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing municipal government.
The panelists concurred that while the full commercial rollout of 6G is anticipated by the end of the decade, significant strides are already being made in testing and development phases. This preparatory work is crucial in ensuring that the transition from 5G to 6G is as smooth and efficient as possible, paving the way for a new era of digital communication.
The discussions at the forum also highlighted the ongoing global race to lead in next-generation telecom technologies. With several countries and major tech companies investing heavily in 6G research and development, the landscape is highly competitive. China’s proactive approach in creating testbeds and encouraging innovation is seen as a strategic move to position itself as a leader in the 6G space.
As 6G technology continues to develop, it is expected to enable a wide range of new applications and services, from advanced Internet of Things (IoT) deployments to sophisticated smart city solutions and beyond. These advancements could lead to dramatic improvements in data transmission and processing, opening up possibilities that are currently difficult to imagine.
The Beijing Zhongguancun Forum continues to serve as a pivotal platform for discussing technological advancements, with 6G being a primary topic this year. As experts and leaders in the field share their visions and developments, the pathway to 2030 and the advent of 6G becomes increasingly clear, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of global telecommunications.
