6G communications technology

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister unveiled a vision document for the rollout of 6G communications technology in India by 2030.

What is 6G?

While, technically, 6G does not exist today, it has been conceived as a far superior technology promising internet speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G
As opposed to 5G, at its peak can offer internet speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, 6G promises to offer ultra-low latency with speeds up to 1 terabit per second.

Applications:	Limitations:
6G use cases will include remote-controlled factories, constantly communicating self-driven cars and smart wearables taking inputs directly from human senses.	While 6G promises growth, it will simultaneously have to be balanced with sustainability since most 6 G-supporting communication devices will be battery-powered and can have a significant carbon footprint

What is India’s 6G roadmap?

The 6G project will be implemented in two phases,
In Phase-I, support will be provided to explorative ideas, risky pathways and proof-of-concept tests.
In Phase II, Ideas and concepts that show promise and potential for acceptance by the global peer community will be adequately supported to develop them to completion
The government has also appointed an apex council to oversee the project and focus on issues such as standardisation, identification of the spectrum for 6G usage and figure out finances for research and development.
The government will have to explore shared use of spectrum, particularly in the higher frequency bands for 6G.

6G across the world:

South Korea has outlined a 6G research and development plan with Rs.1200 crore worth of investments in the first phase running till 2025.
- It aims for attaining global leadership, developing key original technologies, making significant contributions to international standards and patents, and building a strong foundation for 6G research and industry.
In Japan, the Integrated Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) Forum has published its Vision 2030 white paper for 6G, which laid out key technology directions for infrastructure evolution in four dimensions: cognitive capacity, responsiveness, scalability, and energy efficiency.