Next-generation tech – on 6 G Technology

Source- The post is based on the article “Next-generation tech” published in the “Business Standard” on 23rdMarch 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance– Latest development in field of communication technology

News– few months after the formal launch of commercial 5G service, India is set to commit resources to the development of 6G technologies with the release of a vision document and the inauguration of a 6G testbed for research & development (R&D).

What are some facts about 6G technology?

6G will be100 times faster than 5G.

It will have multiple applications. The 6G network could enable a host of autonomous cars to talk to one another in real time as they navigate crowded urban landscapes.

Virtual reality without lags could become a reality. Edge computing, where AI is deployed extensively, will be a possibility.

6G aims to be more energy-efficient and better at using whatever spectrum is available for the network. It would have huge positive externalities.

How can G be defined?

Every “G” from 2G onwards can be described as a set of globally agreed benchmarks that allow for standardized networks to interact with one another and equipment that can be used everywhere.

R&D at every stage has been focused on developing ways to transfer data more efficiently, and to develop new use cases.

What is the government plan to develop 6G?

India will set up six technology-innovation groups to explore the possibilities and drive R&D into possible directions that 6G could go.

The groups will identify priority areas for research involving industry, academia, and service providers in this process.

The R&D would encompass all areas from mmWave and Terahertz communications, to fibre-broadband, remote operations, multi-sensor man-machine interfaces and devices leveraging edge cloud computing.

What are the aspects that should be considered while launching 6G?

Earlier launching could give India the leverage to mould 6G standards in advantageous ways. It will generate intellectual property (IP) that could make it a world leader as 6G evolves.

The initiative must be followed through with robust policy implementation. Policymakers must ensure that roll-outs of commercial networks are not delayed.

In the case of 5G, India has been late in terms of network roll-outs due to complex telecom policy and the resulting litigation. Policymakers need to learn from those mistakes.