“6 is said to be the last ‘G'”expresses Julia KiritoDeputy Director, Radio Electric Spectrum Planning and Management Sub-Directorate Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Service, to this medium. Although no one has been able to confirm this claim yet, the truth is 6G technology Must be a network of networks that allow “Ubiquitous connectivity in a transparent and seamless way”.
Asian countries were the first to launch satellites. with China In leadership, they too have followed in his footsteps Japan Y South Korea. Where is Spain in terms of 6G technology? Are plans being implemented? Can it compete with Asian tech giants?
We talked with Julia Griado (Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure) within the framework 5G Forum 24This week is celebrated SevilleAnd it brings together a total of 530 top professionals in one of the reference events in 5G technology in Spain.
Julia Griado (Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure) during 5G Forum 24
What is 6G technology?
6G technology is the sixth generation of mobile technology that is expected to succeed the current 5G. It is still in its early stages of development, technical specifications are yet to be defined, but it is expected to offer significant improvements in speed, capacity, latency and reliability.
Criado explains what will make 6G technology stand out “It will be very focused on specific topics, use cases that really add value. One of the expected features is to allow for higher throughput and simultaneous connections. Also, reduce latency ».
Among its main features, we can find:
- Speed. 6G technology will be 100 times faster than 5G, at speeds of one terabit per second (Tbps).
- ability. It can simultaneously connect to billions of devices, including sensors. Wearables and autonomous vehicles.
- Delay. This can be significantly scaled down and enable real-time applications such as remote surgery and autonomous vehicle control.
- Credibility. 6G technology will be more resistant to interference and cuts, and will ensure reliable connectivity.
To achieve all this, there are some challenges, says the expert. ‘Higher frequency bands are expected to be used where more antenna elements are used and more resources will be required. In addition, energy consumption must be managed, and all this new information will require computing resources to process it and give value to its different applications. The latter we call ‘use cases’.”Lists.
Potential applications of 6G
“6G is not a common technology like 4G”The head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Service warns. “The former generally facilitated higher connection speeds. It was aimed at more specific applications »Warning.
Artificial intelligence (AI), for example, will play an important role in this universe of 6G technology. “In 6G, AI will be introduced in a clear way to get more performance out of the information the network gives us and optimize it.”Criado explains.
In line with the above, another feature of 6G is expected – although it has already been joined in some cases by advanced 5G – “Greater sensitivity to the use case. Real-time information about multiple algorithms and sensors used by AI.” .
And what are those use cases that Criado mentions? Mainly, the following:
- Metaverso. 6G technology can boost the growth of the metaverse, allowing immersive and realistic experiences.
- Internet of Things. Billions of devices will be connected and generate massive amounts of data that will be processed in real time.
- Artificial intelligence. 6G will enable advanced AI applications such as robotics and automated decision-making.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality. 6G technology will provide more realistic and immersive AR/VR experiences.
- Smart cities. 6G can be used to improve the management of energy, transport and other public services in cities.
Competition for 6G technology
As mentioned at the beginning, Asian countries are leading this new technology generation. was China Pioneer to successfully launch world’s first 6G satellite in November 2023: Quosi-03. The test satellite was developed by the company China Mobile– Used to test new 6G communication technologies such as terahertz transmission and optical communication. For its part, South Korea Working on 6G pilot project towards 2026.
And Spain? “It doesn’t launch satellites, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t manufacture them.”Criado points out. “Europe is investigating 6G and it is already underway. The European Space Agency is soon to launch a satellite for 6G testing.Collaboration.
In particular, the European Space Agency (ESA) And this University of MalagaBy ‘Jose Maria Troya Linero’ Institute of Software Technology and Engineering (ITIS), will work together to integrate fifth and sixth generation mobile networks with satellites. It is a European project 6G-Sandbox.
Also, since Ministry of Digital Transformation The call is initiated UNICO I+D 6G 2023. 62 million euros in aid will be distributed to various projects related to future mobile connectivity.
Despite these advances, we still have to wait a few more years for 6G technology to mature. The forecast for this is from 2028 to 2030.
