Ellie McCann

Generational change: gearing up for 6G

In-Depth

The development of 6G networking technology is well under way. Ellie McCann travelled to Finland to find out about the world’s first deployment.


6G is expected to expand on the capabilities of 5G and further the applications and innovations around the Internet of Things (IoT)
6G is expected to expand on the capabilities of 5G and further the applications and innovations around the Internet of Things (IoT) - stock.adobe.com

It is difficult to comprehend the idea of 6G (sixth generation telecommunications) when it seems like we’re just settling into 5G, its Covid-era conspiracies and widespread mast vandalism sill fresh in the memory.

Indeed, 5G was only introduced in May 2019, with EE and Vodafone being the first to establish their networks. Today, the majority of leading network providers offer 5G, but for many, the next-gen connection remains out of range.

According to major providers, the rollout of 5G will continue, with the general aim for the network to overtake 4G in prominence by 2025. EE and Three have committed to delivering nationwide coverage by 2028.

Why, then, do we need 6G, and what exactly is it?

The Engineer was invited out to Oulu, Finland, the home of the world’s first 6G development programme, to learn how 6G differs from 5G/5G Advanced (5GA) and what the future of the next generation network may look like come the projected deployment date of 2030.

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