Purushothaman K.G., Partner and Head, Digital Solutions and Telecommunications Leader, KPMG in India

The world is contemplating the next generation of telecom technologies and transformations due to the increasing demand for high speed connectivity and the growing number of connected devices, which drive the need for ubiquitous and reliable connectivity. Businesses and countries are competing to build the next level of 6G mobile networks. Organisations worldwide are taking multiple initiatives and investing in 6G research and development (R&D). 6G is a cellular network that operates in untapped radio frequencies and uses cognitive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enable high speed and low-latency communication. It can support intelligent network management and control, as well as the integration of wireless sensing and communication while balancing sustainable initiatives. 6G will utilise machines as amplifiers for one another’s data, allowing each device to expand coverage through mesh networking in addition to its primary usage. It will emerge as a pivotal force reshaping both enterprise and consumer markets, as current generations do not utilise frequencies over 39 GHz.

6G promises a world of extraordinary speed, connective intelligence and highly mature internet of things models. It aims for global connectivity and facilitates the deployment of use cases across varied industries such as healthcare, education, disaster management, defence and security, and the Metaverse. Emerging use cases for 6G include the enabling and empowerment of automated cars, smart home networks and the implementation of urban air mobility transport systems, which require 6G for deploying aerial vehicles (considering network capacity and distance between base stations) as well as enhancing smart mining operations. Further, the vision of 6G is to enhance connectivity and make big data analytics and holographic displays a norm by the 2030s.

Multiple 6G test beds have been launched to make 6G a global revolution. People, organisations and governments are focusing their efforts on the six pillars of 6G, which are multiple-platform next-generation work, standardisation principles, development of an ecosystem for devices and systems, R&D financing, identification of spectrum, and identification of innovative solutions and its use cases. 6G is expected to be sustainable and energy efficient, in addition to other metrics such as capacity, peak data rate, latency, security and reliability.

While we are witnessing continuous technological improvements globally, India has also made tremendous strides in developing its information and communication technology capabilities and infrastructure in the past decade. Some of the recent feats of the country include delivering the world’s fastest 5G deployment and publishing a 6G vision document. The document highlights the lead India is taking in network deployment by funding research programmes for 6G and facilitating early 6G trials aimed at developing proofs of concept to support domestic manufacturing. The country is set to play a significant role by offering its R&D capabilities, in collaboration with global stakeholders. This initiative is being driven by the Indian to position the country as an emerging technology hub.

As we delve into the intricacies of 6G’s potential impact, one of the key aspects that we should focus on is the 6G cloud-native system design. The cloud-native architecture must be built on top of 5G architecture, and should be consistent and reliable to effectively scale and take advantage of cloud technology. This is essential for supporting cloud-oriented business models. ​The key requirements for building a 6G cloud-native system design include scalability, minimisation of application impact, standardisation of systems, security and dynamic computing workload distribution. It has become increasingly evident that the forthcoming era of connectivity holds promise beyond mere technological advancements. The seamless integration of 6G into our daily lives will not only usher in a new era of speed and intelligence but also set the stage for transformative changes across various sectors. Looking beyond technical aspects, the societal impact of 6G cannot be overstated. The convergence of 6G technology with emerging sectors such as healthcare, education, disaster management, defence and the Metaverse opens up  myriad possibilities. Moreover, the economic ramifications of 6G are substantial, with a projected growth of $3.2 trillion by 2030, which highlights the immense potential for job creation, innovation and economic prosperity on a global scale.

In essence, the dawn of 6G represents more than just a technological milestone; it signifies a paradigm shift in how we envision connectivity, innovation and progress. As we stand on the cusp of this transformative era, it is imperative to embrace the opportunities that 6G presents and collaboratively pave the way for a future that is interconnected, intelligent and inclusive.