By Emmanuel Ogbodo
China has officially initiated its shift to 6G technology with the launch of a test satellite on February 3, 2024. The country aims to commercialise 6G networks by 2030 and plans to establish 6G standards by 2025. Developed by China Mobile and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the low-earth orbit satellite is intended to investigate integrated space and ground communication networks. This satellite features a distributed system that facilitates the adaptable deployment of core network functions and software updates while in orbit, advancing China’s 6G ambitions.
The forthcoming 6G network promises significant improvements over 5G, including faster speeds, reduced latency, and novel applications in pervasive intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and ultra-low latency communications. These advancements could enhance fields such as digital twins, smart agriculture, and precision healthcare. The satellite’s low-earth orbit permits lower latency and improved data transfer rates compared to traditional high-orbit satellites, potentially enhancing global satellite internet services and bridging gaps in terrestrial mobile networks.
In July, engineers from Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications in China showcased a 6G field test network using existing 4G infrastructure. This experimental network, utilising semantic communication, reportedly achieved a tenfold increase in key metrics like capacity and coverage. Professor Zhang Ping, who leads the research team, emphasised the importance of merging communication technology with AI, noting that the extensive reach of 6G will significantly boost AI capabilities. This network demonstrates the profound integration of communication technologies and AI, which experts believe will foster new digital economy business models.
Globally, other nations are also progressing in 6G development. Japan aims to develop key 6G technologies by 2025 and plans to introduce “beyond 5G” services by 2030 in collaboration with major companies like NTT Docomo and Sony. Similarly, the United States and nine other countries have set forth principles for 6G networks, concentrating on national security, spectrum efficiency, and privacy protection.
