While 5G is still being rolled out on a global scale, we need to cast an eye to the future of wireless connectivity and communication and the impact it has on businesses. It’s time to talk about 6G.
Table of Contents
- Going beyond the foundations of 5G
- Ambient intelligence and the implications for businesses
- Challenges of power consumption
- When could we expect to see 6G rolled out?
Going beyond the foundations of 5G
In areas where 5G has already been deployed, enhanced speed and connectivity benefits are already game changers. But 6G will push the boundaries even further and drive the next wave of digital transformation. It will unleash unprecedented possibilities, accelerating the core use cases of 5G: ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).
Where 6G networks will truly evolve the future of digital connection is in how it goes beyond the foundations of 5G, blurring the boundaries between end-devices and the network-dedicated infrastructure. With 6G, devices won’t just connect; they’ll actively contribute to building and managing the network, seamlessly integrating computing and communication.
Operating at unparalleled radio frequencies, 6G will unlock cutting-edge innovations—particularly AI—facilitating a higher speed of communication with faster throughput, reduced latency, and greater energy efficiency. Crucially, it will become the foundation for a new generation of technology, driven by several core trends: support for emerging technologies with higher performance capabilities, increasing data rates, a focus on network densification, and ubiquitous connectivity.
Our vision for 6G incorporates these key drivers and aspires to be a universal system, supporting deployment in any scenario to offer seamless connectivity wherever it is needed.
Ambient intelligence and the implications for businesses
For businesses, an implementation of 6G will offer transformative opportunities across industries.
Although 6G is still in the design and research stage, systems are already being designed with ambient intelligence (Aml) in mind. This next generation of connectivity is set to revolutionize how we interact with technology, as it becomes integrated into our everyday life. It will anticipate our needs and adjust on its own, before we even know what they are. While this concept may seem slightly unprecedented, the possibilities for businesses are boundless.
In business, ambient intelligence will enable real-time responsiveness through its dynamic operations, replacing rigid pre-determined systems. This translates into:
- Greater efficiency: Enhancing operational workflows.
- Intelligent performance management: Utilizing advanced analytics for improved outcomes.
- In-depth insights: Supported by real-time data analysis.
For instance, it could transform how supply chains are managed, automatically adjusting production lines based on demand or flagging maintenance issues before they arise. In retail, consumers might interact with product displays, or help store managers optimize their shops by pinpointing the best product positioning or ideal temperatures for storage.
The seamless integration of advancements in IoT, edge computing, and real-time AI will allow businesses to streamline decision-making, become more efficient, and discover new revenue streams.
To realize the full potential of these business use cases for Aml, we need a system that delivers a lightning-fast, low-latency network ensuring top-level privacy and security. This is where 6G will shine.
However, there is a slight catch: Power consumption. With growing concerns over 5G’s energy footprint, it is critical that we develop a 6G network that balances innovation with sustainability.
Challenges of power consumption
For mobile communications, a move towards 6G focuses on providing improved performance and a higher quality of service for businesses. However, it is crucial to consider balancing sustainability with power consumption.
Simply put, a growing demand for mobile data and an increasing number of devices served by these networks require more energy. This could affect a business’s Scope 2 and 3 carbon emissions:
- Scope 2 emissions: Refers to the energy a company purchases and uses, e.g., the electricity it purchases to power its operations.
- Scope 3 emissions: Refers to the broader emissions across the business’s supply chain, including energy used by suppliers and end users.
Managing both aspects will be essential for businesses in order to meet their sustainability goals.
To align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the industry must prioritize renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. Technologies such as smart grids, AI, distributed energy storage systems, and green software will be pivotal in achieving a sustainable design of the network.
Additionally, 6G energy consumption can be significantly reduced by implementing strategies like:
- Dynamic scaling: Adjusting power usage based on data load.
- Optimizing device and network activity: Cutting power consumption during downtime.
Addressing these concerns and challenges will be vital in shaping the timeline for widespread adoption and integration into businesses.
When could we expect to see 6G rolled out?
At the current rate of advancements, businesses should prepare for the arrival of 6G for commercialization in 2030, with pre-commercialization likely to occur a year prior. 6G will reshape industries, offering improved speed, connectivity, and support for developing technologies. However, it is imperative that before this timeframe, we execute plans to make it sustainable and accessible so that businesses of all sizes can equally benefit from the newest generation of wireless communications.
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