Telecoms: 6G Networks 20 times faster than 5G tech but not commercially viable –Report

*A Japanese consortium, including leading telecoms companies, as DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation and Fujitsu, collaborated to produce a 6G technology prototype device with impressive speeds of 100 Gigabites per second, which is 20x more than current 5G, but ‘not a commercially viable network,’ says a report

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

A Japanese consortium recently unveiled the world’s first high-speed Sixth Generation (6G) Technology prototype device.

The network can transmit data at a whopping 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), covering more than 300 feet, as it is decsribed as a 20x improvement over the current 5G technology, GizmoChina report said.

The prototype device was also a product of collaboration among Japan’s leading telecoms companies, including DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation and Fujitsu.

It was gathered that the consortium had announced the successful test results April 11, 2024, when the companies disclosed that the prototype device could achieve speeds of 100 Gbps indoors, using the 100 Gigahertz (GHz) band, and outdoors using the 300 GHz band.

Japanese 6G device not yet a commercially viable network

These tests were conducted over a distance of 328 feet (100 meters), as stated by consortium representatives.

Though the speeds achieved are quite impressive, don’t already make your expectations high.

6G was tested in a single device and is not a commercially viable network. Plus, the network technology has the downside of its own.

5G, the current gold standard in connectivity, has a theoretical maximum speed of 10 Gbps.

However, real-world speeds are typically much lower, averaging around 200 megabits per second (Mbps) for T-Mobile users in the US.

One of the reasons for such low speeds is because of the higher frequency bands used by 5G networks.

While higher frequencies can mean faster speeds, they also come with drawbacks, report said.

Report also indicated that they limit the distance the signal can travel and reduce its penetration strength.

6G takes this a step further and uses even higher frequency bands than 5G.

That means it would be difficult for 6G devices to receive the necessary frequencies for faster downloads, according to report.

For instance, even the tests were conducted at a distance of over 328 feet (100 meters).

So, factors, such as walls and even rain can significantly disrupt 6G signals.

While the transition from 4G to 5G focused on increasing data capacity for activities, such as video streaming and mobile browsing, 6G networks can unlock entirely new realms of possibility.

Essentials of 6G technology

With the increased speed, 6G networks could enable things like real-time holographic communication and immersive virtual and mixed-reality experiences.

However, there’s still a lot that needs to be done for us to enjoy all that, Gizmo China said.

Most importantly, the infrastructure. We’re looking at a complete overhaul of cell towers and a new generation of phones with built-in 6G antennas before this technology becomes mainstream.

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