6G

While much of the world is still in the process of adopting 5G technology and researchers are actively developing 6G networks, the tech world is already buzzing about the next generation — 7G. Although it sounds like something straight out of science fiction, the idea of 7G is increasingly appearing in academic discussions and industry roadmaps. This emerging technology promises near-instant communication, full integration of the physical and digital worlds, and wireless systems capable of powering autonomous cities and advanced AI ecosystems. But the question remains: how close are we really to this vision and where does the line between reality and technological imagination begin to blur?

As the world prepares for the next generation of wireless networks, scientists are increasingly focusing on one key challenge: how to develop 6G technology that will not further harm the environment but instead work in harmony with it. A recent study highlights the potential of green 6G networks, those that rely on renewable energy sources, reduce overall energy consumption and optimize infrastructure in order to mitigate the carbon footprint of telecommunications systems. If 5G networks represent a technical leap forward, 6G green networks could define the very ethics of tomorrow’s connected society.

The development of wireless networks is entering a new era thanks to an innovation that could transform the way we communicate and use technology. A team of scientists has unveiled a chip capable of data transfer speeds unimaginable by today’s standards, paving the way for broader 6G technology development. This breakthrough promises not only faster networks but also the foundation for entirely new applications, from autonomous systems to advanced solutions in healthcare and industry.

India, the world’s most populous country, is entering a technology race that could shift the global balance of power – aiming to hold 10% of all patents related to 6G by 2027.

In late 2024, T-Mobile joined forces with NVIDIA, Ericsson, and Nokia to push the boundaries of next-generation wireless technology. The collaboration has now deepened, with T-Mobile and NVIDIA announcing a new initiative focused on creating 6G networks powered by artificial intelligence.

A study funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) offers a detailed vision for integrating satellites with terrestrial 5G networks.

In this article, we look at how 5G technology is already improving latency and what we can expect with the arrival of 6G networks.

European telecoms are aiming for 6G standards by 2029/2030, but Member States are slow in deploying 5G networks. This delay could affect other technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

While the tech world is buzzing about 6G, which is still about six years away, the next generation of mobile networks will depend heavily on a key aspect of 5G standalone (5G SA) technology.

Samsung Research America has forged a partnership with the Ivy League school to spearhead the development of 6G wireless and networking systems, under the NextG initiative.