With the rapid increase of smart systems globally, 6G networks represent the next stage of mobile communication and a major opportunity not only for technology enterprises but for all advanced industries. In the interim, we are testing the shift in devices connected to 5G and 5G Advanced between 2024 and 2025.
The focus on the development of 6G networks underscores a commitment to ensuring a smart infrastructure, powering emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, internet of things (IoT) and others, while guaranteeing data transfer speeds.
Recent studies indicate that 6G will span our lifecycle, steering the future of digitalization. Experts anticipate the global launch of this network by 2030. Looking back on 2023, the Global 6G Market was valued at USD 6.5 billion with a growing estimation at a CAGR of around 37.4% during the forecast period of 2024-2030.
High Investment and Global Impact
Pushing the limits of technology, wireless networks are poised to begin making serious impacts this year by empowering the deployment of 6G capabilities. Acknowledging the evolution of technology and recent upgrades, the necessity for high-speed and reliable connectivity is undeniable. While researchers are still delving into the power of 5G and 4G, it's not premature to contemplate the next-generation network. Predictions for 6G indicate it will offer communication services up to 10 times faster than the 5G network. 2024 will be dedicated to determining the value of future wireless networks and the global 6G market.
The high demand for smart solutions and high connectivity has amplified the need for fast networks to support countries and empower their digital transformation strategy. Enormous investments are directed toward 6G technology, with China taking the lead, accounting for 40.3% of global 6G patent filings. Notably, many of the recent patents have been filed by Huawei. The USA follows with 35.2%, Japan with 9.9%, Europe with 9.9%, and South Korea with a 4.2% share in global 6G patent filings. In this field, the Asia-Pacific is positioning itself at the forefront of the 6G market and deployment by driving a commitment to technology development.
According to reports, the industry is valued at USD 5.1 billion and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 34.2% until the beginning of 2030. In this context, 6G is poised to not only deliver high-quality communication but also integrate into the AI era, computer systems, and tech solutions. This underscores that the future of telecommunications hinges on a well-built infrastructure accompanied by a robust and powerful connection.
Acknowledging the significant transformations, providers and operators will prioritize 6G, aiming to establish a framework that aligns seamlessly with the entire ecosystem and future vision. However, many factors can slow this shift and enhance the overall complexity.
6G Challenges
Despite the fact that we are expecting better capabilities in the development of 6G deployment, the telecom industry and tech companies needs to be aware of several issues and challenges that come along with the rapidity of 6G.
While over 95% of the global population is still covered by 3G mobile networks, numerous regions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are actively deploying 5G and 6G networks, striving to create optimal conditions to meet the escalating demand and expectations in this field. These are the types of challenges that can be expected in the near future:
AI Identification: The elevated demands for network reliability and speed, coupled with the advancement of AI services, require continuous efforts from operators and telecommunication management. The larger the deployment of the 6G network, the more challenging it becomes to achieve 100% automation in both public and private sectors. This is crucial to fully harness the potential of AI systems that rely on increased interaction with wireless networks.
High Frequency: One of the most significant challenges ahead is the use of higher frequencies. While 5G networks operate in the sub-6 GHz frequency range, it is expected that 6G can provide higher frequencies above 100 GHz to reduce latency and increase capacity and ensure a better coverage. Due to the higher path loss associated with higher frequencies compared to lower ones, maintaining performance in these frequencies demands increased power consumption. However, the design process for devices in 5G systems poses a challenge as it necessitates optimizing power consumption despite the demand for operational power being relatively lower.
Security Protocol: Entering the new era, 6G networks require high standards of security protocols, which play a crucial role in the digital evolution. Like any other wireless network, various types of attacks could compromise the data. To address this security challenge, 6G systems will need to leverage enhanced measures to build a strong software.
Given the high expectations, 6G networks embody both limitless opportunities and formidable challenges. Nevertheless, the fastest networks possess the potential to reshape our world, enhance the digital economy, and revolutionize global communication through the introduction of new applications and smart devices that require the utmost speed and capacity.