The upcoming 6G technology threatens to revolutionize wireless communication, anticipating changes that go far beyond the incremental upgrades seen in past generations. Unlike 5G, which primarily focused on improving speed and connectivity, 6G is poised to integrate cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies. The goal is not merely to enhance existing capabilities but to completely reimagine and redefine the possibilities of wireless communication. This shift promises to unleash a wave of groundbreaking innovations and is expected to have a profound impact on economic growth across various sectors.
The Vision for 6G: Beyond a 5G Upgrade
According to Dr. Wen Tong, Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Wireless, the transformative potential of 6G goes beyond being a simple upgrade from 5G. The introduction of ‘A-Core,’ which is a core network for 6G built on agentic AI technology, marks a fundamental shift in how wireless networks are conceived and operated. This new core technology will enable telecom operators to develop custom solutions and explore novel avenues for profit generation.
Market analysts have high expectations for the economic impact of 6G, forecasting that it could generate trillions of dollars in value globally. MarketsandMarkets, for instance, predicts that the global 6G market could be worth over $68.7 billion by 2035. This optimistic projection is driven largely by the demand for ultra-reliable, low-latency communications that 6G promises to deliver. In addition to opening new business models, 6G will create numerous opportunities for operators and significantly enhance services offered to consumers. Leveraging AI, which is expected to influence 90% of businesses shortly, 6G will play a crucial role in driving digital transformation across key sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.
Redefining Network Architecture and User Experience
One of the most compelling aspects of 6G is its potential to redefine network architecture fundamentally. Unlike 5G, which primarily focused on improving existing technologies, 6G aims to create a generational leap by prioritizing core developments within the network infrastructure. This transformation encompasses the core network, radio access network (RAN), and user equipment (UE), all working in synergy to deliver an unprecedented user experience. According to Dr. Tong, the goal of 6G is to offer a user experience that is 10 to 30 times better than what 5G can provide, achieve three times more intrinsic spectral efficiency, and bring about substantial energy savings.
AI will serve as a cornerstone of the 6G framework. Dr. Tong outlines three core areas where AI will be integrated, collectively referred to as the 6G A-Core. First, the tailored core network will achieve full automation in its generation, operation, and maintenance using agentic AI technologies. This level of automation will enable the 6G core to support AI, sensing, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), thereby surpassing the capabilities of the 5G service-based architecture (SBA). In essence, the integration of AI within the 6G framework will provide the foundation for a more efficient, intelligent, and responsive network architecture.
The Role of AI in 6G: A-Core and Beyond
The integration of AI within the 6G framework goes beyond the core network and extends to the radio access network (RAN) and user equipment (UE). For the RAN, artificial general intelligence (AGI) and embodiment-AI are expected to become mainstream applications between 2030 and 2040. Current generative AI technologies are deemed insufficient for meeting the challenges anticipated in the future, which underscores the need for deeper research to harness AGI’s full potential within the 6G ecosystem.
When it comes to user equipment, 6G devices must support ‘Full AI’ functionality. The transition from 5G to 6G will be particularly challenging if devices fail to keep pace with the rapid development of AI and sensing capabilities. To fully realize the advantages of 6G, user equipment must evolve to match advancements in AI, ensuring a seamless and enriched user experience. Agentic AI will empower telecom operators to offer more customized applications, monitor network performance more effectively, and sell generative network services via open APIs. This will enable operators to enhance their competitiveness in the industry, with the A-Core acting as a bridge between connectivity and applications.
Challenges and Innovations in Terminal Technologies
One of the pivotal challenges for 6G lies in achieving breakthroughs in terminal technologies. According to Dr. Tong, this is comparable to the development of mobile devices, such as how the iPhone spurred the mobile broadband industry with remarkable market success back in 2007. In a similar vein, 6G will require new terminal innovations to meet the future demands of consumers and businesses. Current smartphones may not be sufficient to drive the mobile industry beyond 2030, highlighting the need for advanced terminals capable of harnessing AI and sensing technologies. This will ensure a seamless and enhanced user experience, allowing 6G to deliver on its transformative promises.
Continuous innovation is crucial for expanding market opportunities, driving new revenue streams, and ensuring long-term industry growth. For 6G to distinguish itself from its predecessors, it must focus on generational innovation, particularly in AI-driven services and applications. Simply reusing the 5G network architecture without introducing fundamental innovations would limit the mobile industry’s potential and stifle new breakthroughs. By embracing genuine innovation, 6G can unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a smarter, more connected world.
Economic Impact and Business Opportunities
The forthcoming 6G technology has the potential to revolutionize wireless communication in ways we haven’t seen before. While 5G mainly focused on improving speed and connectivity, 6G aims to incorporate advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other groundbreaking technologies. This leap is not just about boosting current capabilities but about completely rethinking and redefining what wireless communication can achieve. This transformation holds the promise of triggering a wave of groundbreaking innovations that could have a profound impact on economic growth across multiple sectors.
For instance, 6G is expected to enable smart cities with sophisticated infrastructure that can manage resources more efficiently. Enhanced AI integration will allow for unprecedented levels of automation in industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Imagine self-healing networks, where AI can predict and resolve issues before they impact users. We’re also looking at higher quality virtual and augmented reality experiences, which could revolutionize entertainment, education, and remote work.
Moreover, the implementation of 6G could greatly benefit sectors such as agriculture through precision farming, and transportation through advanced autonomous vehicles. The immensity of this impact cannot be understated; it will pave the way for innovations we can scarcely imagine today, fundamentally altering how we interact with technology and each other. As a result, 6G is set to become a cornerstone for future technological advancements and a key driver of economic growth.