6G

6G is the proposed and upcoming sixth generation of the mobile communications technology and the planned successor to 5G (ITU-R IMT-2020). As of 2024, development is coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) within its IMT-2030 framework, defined in Recommendation ITU-R M.2160-0.

ITU-R oversees related work by 3GPP and ETSI, together with the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance. 3GPP is finalizing Release 18 for 5G Advanced and preparing Release 19 for early 6G research. IMT-2030 defines performance targets for future mobile systems and tracks 6G standardization.

Research and testing are in progress at major equipment vendors, operators, and institutes. Companies including Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, LG, Apple, NTT Docomo, Airtel, and Jio have announced 6G programs. Governments in North America, Europe, and Asia are funding national 6G initiatives through the EU, the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea.

6G aims to achieve higher data rates, lower latency, and greater energy efficiency than 5G. Planned advances include new air interface designs, improved coding and modulation, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. Research also explores integration with satellite, Wi-Fi, and non-terrestrial networks, as well as distributed edge computing for AR, VR, and AI applications.

Machine learning and AI are expected to help manage networks, allocate spectrum, and optimize services.

According to the NGMN Alliance, 6G development should focus on demonstrable user needs and avoid unnecessary replacement of existing 5G radio access network equipment. Analysts note that 5G revenue growth has been slower than predicted, leading to a cautious approach to 6G investment. Commercial deployment of 6G is anticipated in the early 2030s, following standardization milestones later in the 2020s.