As with all emerging technology, standardization must be established across the industry to facilitate its smooth transition, but so far, the 3GPP has only approved Release 18, dubbed 5G Advanced, which includes flagship projects and a lead-up to future 6G. But no international standardizations have been established as of yet.
Still, many major players in the industry are already engaging in 6G discussions as operators and vendors plan ahead for 6G technologies; clearly, talking about 6G is not premature for the industry as a whole.
Early commercial deployment for 6G could commence between 2028 and 2029, with the first standard technology expected around 2026.
When it is eventually launched, 6G is expected to deliver download speeds close to 1 terabit per second with one-microsecond latency and unlimited bandwidth, enabling 6G to better support 5G functions in areas including intelligent robotics in factories and autonomous vehicles on roads.
As the race to digital economies intensifies, countries are picking up momentum in 6G developments. Early 5G frontrunners in Asia, such as South Korea, Japan, and China, are intensely developing 6G on the side.
Last year, South Korea launched a 5-year program to pilot 6G services by 2026, with plans to deploy 6G for commercial use between 2028 and 2030. A total of $190 million will be invested to fuel the country’s 6G ambitions. Which country is ready to replace 6G technology first in the world?
Clearly, 6G leadership is a coveted title. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that 6G discussions should start now rather than later.
