6G Policy and Research Developments
As the global telecommunications industry grapples with the rollout of 5G technology, many have already set their sights on 6G wireless connectivity. Offering even faster data rates and better reliability, 6G has the potential to revolutionize wireless connectivity and unlock unprecedented use cases. In recent years, there have been significant policy and research-level developments that may support the realization of 6G.
6G at the World Radiocommunication Conference
At this year’s World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) discussed the allocation and harmonization of the radio frequency spectrum for terrestrial and space-based communication systems. The ITU decided to allocate new mobile low-band spectrum below 1 GHz and mid-band spectrum in the 3.5 GHz and 6 GHz ranges. This spectrum allocation is critical for the development and deployment of future telecommunications technologies, including 6G. In addition to spectrum allocation for mobile services, WRC-23 also addressed regulations for high-altitude platform stations and evolving satellite operations.
World’s First Metasurface Antenna for 6G
On the research front, a team at the City University of Hong Kong has developed the “world’s first universal metasurface antenna” (UMA) for 6G communications. Traditional manipulation of EM waves largely depends on the propagation effect of naturally existing materials like lenses and modulators, which are bulky and unfit for modern integrated systems. Metasurfaces, on the other hand, enable wave-matter interactions within an ultrathin artificial surface. The researchers set out to develop a UMA that dynamically manipulates all fundamental properties of EM waves simultaneously and independently. According to the researchers, the UMA is particularly adept at generating modulated waveforms carrying digital information, a feature that can simplify the architecture of information transmitter systems.
Photonic Chips for 6G
Another team of researchers at the University of Sydney has also made headway in 6G technology with a compact, chip-scale microwave photonic (MWP) filter. Conventional RF filter technologies struggle to meet the demands for fine spectral resolution, broadband frequency tunability, and small size, weight, and power requirements simultaneously. MWP filters address these limitations by leveraging the broadband and tunable nature of optical components. Key to the new research was the use of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), which provides a narrow optical resonant linewidth and stability. Researchers believe the chip could have significant implications in fields like 6G and even 7G communications.
The Schedule of 6G Rollout
While 6G technology is still years away from commercialization, developers, researchers, and technology policymakers are already preparing spectrum allocation and hardware to accommodate the faster speeds of this bandwidth. The development and standardization of the 6G specification are scheduled for 2025–2029, with its official launch slated for 2030. While researchers have already begun early studies and prototyping, formal lab testing and pilots for commercial 6G products aren’t expected until 2028.
These policy and research-level developments are key steps in the path towards 6G wireless connectivity. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, the potential for 6G to revolutionize wireless communication and unlock unprecedented use cases becomes increasingly exciting. While there are still challenges to overcome and many years of development ahead, the future of 6G looks promising.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The article highlights significant policy and research-level developments supporting the realization of 6G wireless connectivity. Spectrum allocations have been made, metasurface antennas and photonic chips for 6G have been developed, and a schedule for rollout has been set.
As an analyst, I predict that the market will see increased investment in research and development for 6G technology, as well as collaborations between telecommunications companies, researchers, and policymakers to ensure a smooth transition to 6G wireless connectivity. This will lead to advancements in wireless communication, the unlocking of new use cases, and potential market growth in the future.
