As the world continues to embrace the benefits of 5G technology, the race for the next generation, 6G, is heating up. This competition is not only about technological advancement but also involves economic competitiveness, national security, and the global balance of power. Major corporations and the world’s most powerful nations are vying for leadership in this new era of telecommunication.
Human-Centric Focus
A key aspect of 6G is its human-centric approach. According to a study, “We suggest that human-centric mobile communications will still be the most important application of 6G and the 6G network should be human-centric. Thus, high security, secrecy, and privacy should be key features of 6G and should be given particular attention by the wireless research community.” This focus emphasizes the importance of ensuring that 6G technology meets the security and privacy needs of users while providing seamless and efficient communication.
Frequency Bands and Technological Advances
The exact frequency bands for 6G have yet to be determined, but the range of interest spans from 100 GHz to 3 THz. This includes millimeter waves and terahertz spectra. Notably, there has been significant progress in technology for guiding waves within this range. A public fabrication of three-dimensional waveguides using niobium metal—a superconducting material that minimizes attenuation due to absorption and radiation—has been developed for the transmission of waves in the 100 GHz frequency band. However, wave propagation in this range is highly influenced by obstacles and attenuation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Global Initiatives and Geopolitical Implications
China has already taken a significant step by launching the first experimental 6G satellite in 2020, marking a milestone in space-based telecommunication research. Meanwhile, in North America, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) launched the “Next G Alliance” in October 2020. This alliance includes major players like AT&T, Ericsson, Telus, Verizon, T-Mobile, Microsoft, Samsung, and others, with the goal of securing North American leadership in 6G technology.
The development of 6G is seen as a national priority in many countries, including those in the West and their allies, as well as China, Russia, and their allies. As such, the geopolitical friction that intensified during the 5G race is expected to continue and even escalate with 6G.
Conclusion
The race for 6G is more than just a technological competition; it is a strategic battle for future global leadership in telecommunications. With significant advancements already made and more on the horizon, 6G promises to revolutionize communication by prioritizing human-centric features such as security, secrecy, and privacy. As countries and corporations invest heavily in this technology, the geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly be shaped by the outcomes of this race. The stakes are high, and the world is watching as the future of telecommunication unfolds.
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