Even though 6G networks are not expected to launch before 2030, countries across the world have started efforts to build its ecosystem. 6G is envisioned to offer disaggregated, virtualised and scalable networks with granular functionality to enable application-specific processing. It is also being seen as a platform to enable the convergence of the physical and virtual worlds. New use cases and applications will not only connect humans with machines and machines to machines, but also connect humans with the digital world. Networks, assets, processes and systems will come together at scale, and holographic telepresence will become a new norm for both work and social interactions. At the same time, 6G will have to meet the demand for traditional communication requirements as well as key performance indicators (KPIs) for new capabilities. 6G networks are expected to feature the following types of KPI-associated services:
- Ubiquitous mobile ultra-broadband
- Ultra-high-speed low-latency communications
- Massive machine-type communication
- Ultra-high data density
Given sustainability concerns, there will also be a heightened focus on energy consumption and energy saving with independent, vendor-agnostic testing and validation.
Growth dynamics
According to a report by Juniper Research, the total number of global 6G connections will reach 290 million by 2030, which is the year after its initial expected launch in 2029. The report notes that to reach this early growth, operators must solve various technological challenges, including the issue of network interference arising from the use of high-frequency spectrum, which will be the key enabling technology to provide throughput speeds 100 times greater than current 5G networks. However, as cellular technologies have never used spectrum bands in this range before, the most pressing concern for operators is minimising network interference, or risk creating an unreliable 6G network.
To achieve this, the report added that operators must invest in reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), a technology that will mitigate the impact of interference from large obstacles, including buildings, on network services. As per the report, as 6G standards become clearer in 2025, RIS technology must become an immediate priority for development. However, it warns that given the wide geographical areas of some 6G networks, operators must implement artificial intelligence to monitor and adjust RIS configuration in real time to maximise the technology’s benefits. Commenting on the report, Alex Webb, research author, Juniper Research, said, “Initial 6G coverage will occur in the most densely populated geographical areas to serve as many users as possible. Therefore, RIS technology will be key to providing a valuable 6G service to both consumer and enterprise customers in the first few years of network operation.”
India committed to build 6G ecosystem
In tandem with other global nations, India too has committed resources to develop 6G, with the release of a vision document and the launch of a 6G test bed. It aims to play a critical role in developing standards and generating intellectual property for 6G.
By 2030, India will be the world’s largest cellular market, in terms of users, data consumption and maybe even in value. Being actively involved in 6G research and development (R&D) could generate serious intellectual property and help develop industry standards in terms of technology, spectrum usage norms and use cases.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and Railways, India already possesses 127 patents related to the future network. Apart from India, countries such as Finland, Japan, South Korea, China and the US have started facilitating 6G R&D.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has constituted the Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G) with six task forces to develop the vision, mission and goals for 6G. The task force on international standards contribution is chaired by N.G. Subramaniam, chair, Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI). TSDSI initiated work on 6G with a workshop in early 2020 and recently published the technical report “6G: Use Cases, Requirements and Enabling Technologies”. The task forces are entrusted with the responsibility of mapping 6G activities and capabilities worldwide, developing a white paper on India’s competencies, creating a roadmap for R&D, pre-standardisation, developing applications and products and creating action plans for 6G technology.
Further, DoT formed the Bharat 6G Alliance, a collaborative platform consisting of public and private companies, academia, research institutions and standards development organisations. The alliance will forge coalitions and synergies with other 6G global alliances, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. One of the key goals is to facilitate market access for Indian telecom technology products and services, enabling the country to emerge as a global leader in 6G technology. Moreover, the Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance, an initiative of the US-based Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration opportunities on 6G wireless technologies in India and other parts of the world.
Need to resolve spectrum challenges and focus on infrastructure building
While efforts to commercialise 6G have begun, one key aspect–the shortage of spectrum, which may be a barrier, needs to be resolved. In November 2022, DoT announced that it plans to seek the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s views on opening spectrum in the 95 GHz-3 THz frequency range, to be used for experimental purposes to develop products and solutions based on 6G technology. The spectrum is likely to be allocated for a 10-year term. As per DoT, the move may allow academic institutions, research organisations and the industry to obtain radio waves and undertake studies with a pre-standardisation process. This would enable them to develop products and solutions converging satellite and terrestrial networks.
Further, there is uncertainty regarding the requirements of 6G in terms of physical infrastructure. There is little clarity on how devices will need to be reconfigured. For instance, 6G is likely to allow object tracking with highly accurate sensors and enable accurate visual and voice recognition. Existing mobile devices may not be adequate to host the cutting-edge features that 6G would offer. This could lead to a complete overhaul of the handset industry alongside the roll-out of 6G.
The way forward
If developed with due thought, 6G has the potential to attract sufficient cross-sector investment, drive innovation and spark future waves of disruptive technologies. Most crucially, it could generate new value on top of the connectivity layer, which telcos can capitalise on. Rural areas and remote industries such as rail, offshore drilling and broad mining will also benefit from the enhanced connectivity of 6G.
However, 6G’s benefits will come at a cost, as the technology will be far more expensive than its predecessors. Therefore, adoption disparities can be expected.
Apart from this, data analytics is set to grow extensively with the advent of 6G. It will also enable faster sampling rates. Furthermore, 6G can enable the deployment of threat detection systems, drones, health monitoring, feature and facial recognition, and air quality measurements. It will also come enable the implementation of futuristic projects such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles.
By getting into the 6G game at its inception, India could be a major influencer, in addition to being one of the world’s largest markets. The positive externalities of the telecom industry are well known and the new use cases of 6G will
enable a strong multiplier effect on the
entire economy.
To reap the potential rewards of 6G, the telecom industry needs to overcome the headwinds created by previous generations of wireless telecommunications standards, especially those stemming from 5G.
