6G Tech Growth, Roadblocks, and Future Uses
China Mobile has set up a test net for 6G with ten spots. People now ask when we can use this new tech. Talks on 6G have been around, but many tech and useful steps still need to be taken for it to be common.
Speeds Pushed High in 6G Tests
Latest tests across the globe show amazing speeds for 6G tech:
- In 2024, some firms in Japan got 100 Gbps in the 100 and 300 GHz space, up to less than 100 meters.
- In mid-2025, Keysight from the US and Japan's NTT got up to 280 Gbps in the 300 GHz spot. At this rate, a 50 GB 4K film downloads in about 1.4 seconds.
- In Russia, MIEM HSE showed data speeds of 12 Gbps in the 141-164 GHz range.
The Truth on Making 6G Nets
The great lab results don't mean it will work the same in real life. For a clear look, T-Mobile's 5G net in the US has an average speed of about 300 Mbps, much less than the max it might hit. A big issue for 6G is the short reach of high-frequency bands (100-300 GHz), which would need spots every 100-500 meters to work well, not cheap to do.
A Plan with Many Bands
The idea is for 6G to use many band types. High-frequency spots with the best speed would be in busy spots like sports areas. For normal city use, 6G might use lower bands from 1-25 GHz, the same ones used for 5G.
What Will We Use 6G For?
The start of 5G didn't pull in users well, as many saw no big gain for day-to-day use. 6G might face the same issue. Ideas for 6G use are way ahead and include:
- Digital Twins: Making digital models of stuff like buildings and roads to help plan and make city life better.
- Internet of Senses: A cool idea where you can send smells, tastes, and touches digitally.
Timeline and Where Things Stand
Most think that 6G will start being sold by around 2030. In Russia, they're still gearing up for 5G. The nation's Radio Group just set the 4800-4990 MHz band aside, but firms like the 3.4-3.8 GHz band more because it's a good mix of reach and space. Also, the plan to bring 5G there will stick to in-country tech, not yet made on a big scale.
