Even as the world gradually adapts to the advancements of 5G technology, the horizon of innovation is already shifting towards the next big leap – sixth – generation technology (6G). While 6G is still in its early stages, it holds the promise of pushing the boundaries of connectivity even further. With faster speeds, lower latency and increased reliability, 6G is poised to redefine how we interact with the digital realm, bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.
Globally, countries are intensifying their efforts to spearhead the development of 6G technology. Meanwhile, organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are playing a pivotal role in establishing the standards necessary for a cohesive global 6G infrastructure. In a remarkable move, in June 2023, the the ITU approved the 6G Vision Framework, which is a foundational document for global 6G work, igniting a new wave of research and development (R&D) worldwide. Later, in December 2023, significant milestones were achieved as ITU-R released a comprehensive report outlining potential parameters and use cases for IMT-2030, while the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) announced plans to begin working on crafting specifications for 6G alongside their ongoing efforts with 5G advancements.
Industry efforts
A wide range of organisations are currently involved in the R&D of 6G networks, including vendors, research organisations, academic institutions and operators. Governments around the world are formulating their visions and roadmaps for 6G to ensure that their countries are well positioned to take advantage of the economic opportunities. Meanwhile, research organisations, vendors and academic institutions are identifying key drivers and trends for 6G networks, and are beginning early-stage tests for 6G technologies and materials, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, photonic technology and AI-enabled air interfaces.
A look at some of the initiatives taken in the field of 6G in various regions…
Asia
In Asia, China has been actively working to emerge as a front trunner in 6G technology, and has recently announced plans to step up R&D of 6G wireless technology. In addition, China Mobile has launched its 6G public experimental verification platform, providing an open and scenario-based joint R&D testing environment for industrial partners to verify various new business and application scenarios, and lower the R&D threshold for key 6G technologies. Meanwhile, Japan has launched the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium to conduct a joint R&D initiative for 6G with the Finnish group 6G Flagship, which will contribute significantly to global standards and regulatory developments.
In 2024, Ericsson and Turkcell signed an MoU to advance 6G R&D in Turkey. The agreement aims to foster bilateral research initiatives, strengthen cooperation in national and international R&D collaboration projects, and facilitate the exchange of valuable information on emerging technologies. In addition, in Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority partnered with the Singapore University of Technology and Design to launch the first 6G R&D lab in Southeast Asia.
Further, Vietnam has established a team focused on 6G equipment development to monitor R&D on 6G equipment around the world in order to learn about equipment types, bandwidth spectrums, pricing and standardisation.
In India, the Department of Telecommunications has created a 6G Technology Innovation Group to create a plan of action for R&D and identify technologies under development in India that can become a part of 6G. The consortium comprises six 6G task forces to study and analyse various facets of 6G technology.
In India’s private sector, industry players such as Ericsson and Nokia are spearheading groundbreaking research initiatives, with dedicated research labs and collaborative ventures aimed at accelerating the development of core 6G technologies. In 2023, Ericsson launched its India 6G programme with the formation of an India 6G research team at its R&D centre in Chennai. Additionally, Nokia launched a 6G lab at its global R&D centre in Bengaluru in October 2023. The first-of-its-kind research facility aims to accelerate the development of fundamental technologies and innovative use cases underpinned by 6G technology.
Europe
Europe also aims to be the centre of 6G R&D. A white paper titled “European Vision for the 6G Network Ecosystem” released by the 5G Infrastructure Association covers key areas related to 6G research from the technical, societal, policy and business perspectives.
Notably, Finland stands out as a trailblazer in 6G research, hosting the world’s first large-scale 6G research programme, named 6G Flagship. The country leads two European 6G flagship projects, namely, Hexa-X and its successor Hexa-X-II, with Nokia being the project leader for both, and plays a significant role in the European Union’s (EU) 6G research. Hexa-X is a flagship research initiative of the European Commission, with strong participation from major industry and academia stakeholders in Europe, to develop the foundations of 6G and contribute to industry consensus leading beyond 5G.
Additionally, in May 2023, Finland signed a joint statement on cooperation in advanced wireless communications with the US. Finland has been actively building new international partnerships with other 6G stakeholders.
Further, France has also launched a new 6G R&D programme to support scientific research on future network technologies. The project is bringing together public research players to work on 10 major
targeted research projects on future network technologies.
North America
The US operators are making progress by committing to the Next G Alliance, a group of 45 leading information and communication technology companies within the US and Canada, including AT&T, Bell Canada, Telus, Verizon, Ciena, Nokia and Qualcomm Technologies. The Next G Alliance has presented a 6G vision for North America and has outlined the steps necessary to secure the region’s leadership in wireless technology for the next decade. Additionally, the US recently strengthened its cooperation in 6G technology with its allies, following the start of long-term R&D led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
The US and Japanese governments have also jointly agreed to invest $4.5 billion to go beyond 5G and take a lead in the nascent 6G sector.
In a remarkable move, in February 2024, the governments of the US, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Sweden, South Korea, Japan and the UK issued a joint statement advancing shared principles for the R&D of 6G wireless communication systems. The countries outlined six shared principles, including trusted technology that is secure, resilient, and protective of privacy and national security; global industry-led and inclusive standard setting and international collaborations; cooperation to enable open and interoperable innovation, affordability, sustainability and global connectivity; as well as spectrum and manufacturing principles.
Funding for 6G gaining traction
In terms of funding and investments, Europe has been investing heavily in boosting its 6G research. The EU has provided Euro 130 million for the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking to launch trial projects aimed at advancing smart networks and services. These projects will offer breakthrough innovations, experimental platforms and large-scale trials to drive world-class research. Meanwhile, in India, the government has invested Rs 2,240 million in a 6G test bed, co-developed by a consortium of the Indian Institutes of Technology, to provide an R&D platform to start-ups, researchers, industry and other broadband wireless applications.
Further, Germany is putting significant funds behind its own 6G research efforts. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) has allocated Euro 700 million towards 6G R&D over the next five years. An initial Euro 200 million injection will be used to create the basis for an innovation ecosystem for future communication technologies around 6G.
The road to 6G
While the global telecom industry is
still in the early stages of shaping 6G technology, it is crucial for the industry to prioritise customer-led research in the field of 6G. This will ensure that 6G technology aligns with what customers want from mobile networks, delivering valuable offerings. Furthermore, equitable access to 6G technology, irrespective of geographic location or social status, must be a priority to avoid creating further societal rifts based on connectivity. That said, the progress the industry is making towards 6G is not just to achieve a faster network, but also to move towards a new era of global connectivity.
Furthermore, these advancements will not only enhance our individual lives but will also contribute to achieving environmental objectives and reducing the ecological impact. Going forward, as we navigate these challenges, it is essential for stakeholders to come together, innovate and advocate for a 6G future that benefits both technology and society as a whole.
