IT News Correspondent
By Juliet Orbo
The world is edging closer to the commercialization of 6G mobile communication, the sixth generation of wireless technology that promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G. More than just an upgrade, 6G is poised to become the backbone of future digital societies—powering technologies once considered science fiction.
As the next leap in mobile communication, 6G is expected to enable fully autonomous transportation, flying taxis, remote-controlled robotic surgery, and seamless machine-to-machine interaction. Its development is central to building a hyper-connected world where communication networks automate and coordinate nearly every aspect of daily life.
Why 6G Is a Game-Changer
Unlike 5G, which operates primarily on the gigahertz (GHz) spectrum, 6G will utilize the terahertz (THz) frequency band. This shift dramatically expands available bandwidth, allowing data to move at unprecedented speeds—estimated at 50 to 100 times faster than current 5G networks.
In practical terms, data transmission delays will shrink to less than one millisecond, enabling near-instant communication between devices, servers, and users. The result is ultra-low latency so advanced that digital responses can feel indistinguishable from human reflexes.
Another defining feature of 6G is its ambition to eliminate coverage gaps entirely. By integrating satellite, aerial, maritime, terrestrial, and space-based networks, 6G aims to deliver uninterrupted connectivity across land, sea, air, and even remote regions previously unreachable by conventional networks.
Industries Set to Be Transformed
The combination of extreme speed, minimal delay, and massive connectivity will unlock new industrial possibilities. Fully autonomous vehicles will rely on 6G to process real-time traffic data and environmental sensing. In healthcare, surgeons will be able to perform complex procedures remotely with absolute precision, unhindered by network lag.
Beyond mobility and medicine, 6G will play a critical role in:
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Smart cities with real-time infrastructure management
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Augmented and virtual reality experiences indistinguishable from reality
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Holographic communication and immersive telepresence
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Industrial automation and digital twins
Reflecting this potential, market analysts predict rapid growth. Research firm Research Nester estimates the global 6G market will expand from $7.99 billion in 2025 to nearly $99 billion by 2035, driven by demand across multiple sectors.
Global Race for 6G Leadership
Major global powers are already positioning themselves for dominance in the 6G era. China is widely viewed as the frontrunner, having rolled out 5.5G services—a transitional technology offering speeds up to ten times faster than 5G—in more than 100 cities.
The United States, Japan, and several European nations are also advancing rapidly by deploying 5G standalone (SA) networks, which operate independently of legacy 4G infrastructure and provide a critical foundation for future 6G systems.
In contrast, South Korea, once a global leader in mobile technology, is facing growing concern over falling behind. The country still relies largely on 5G non-standalone (NSA) architecture, which depends on 4G core networks—placing it a step behind competitors.
South Korea’s Catch-Up Strategy
South Korea plans to launch pilot 6G services by 2028, with full commercialization targeted for 2030. In preparation, the country’s major telecom operators have intensified research and development efforts.
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SK Telecom is collaborating with Samsung Electronics on AI-powered radio access networks (AI-RAN)
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KT has already deployed AI-RAN technology within its 5G infrastructure
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LG Uplus is focusing on communication-and-sensing convergence, a core pillar of 6G systems
However, industry experts warn that 6G presents new challenges. The short propagation range of terahertz frequencies means base stations must be installed far more densely than in previous generations—significantly increasing costs.
“Building 6G infrastructure will require much larger investments than 5G,” a telecommunications industry source noted. “Strong government backing and aggressive private-sector investment will be essential.”
Experts also stress the importance of embedding quantum encryption, AI-driven security, and advanced network intelligence into 6G systems from the outset to safeguard future digital ecosystems.
A Defining Moment for the Future
As communication networks evolve into critical national infrastructure, the race toward 6G is no longer just about faster smartphones—it is about economic competitiveness, national security, and technological leadership.
Countries that invest early and decisively may shape the digital rules of the next generation. Those that hesitate risk becoming consumers rather than creators in a world powered by ultra-fast, intelligent connectivity.
