China to lead ongoing innovation in 6G

Major carriers lay out R&D roadmap for next-gen tech in partnership with industry pioneers, institutes

Chinese telecom operators are leaving no stone unturned in efforts to establish a beachhead in 6G, the next-generation wireless technology that has turned into a key battleground for innovation and industrial transformation.

The International Telecommunication Union last month approved a 6G vision framework, a foundational document for global 6G work, pressing the start button for renewed research and development across the world.

The newly approved 6G standard now includes six key usage scenarios, compared to only three for the extant 5G technology.

A key feature of 6G is that it will allow the interoperability of terrestrial networks with nonterrestrial technologies such as satellites, ITU said.

China Unicom is working hard to explore key potential technologies for 6G.

The company expects to complete technical research and explore early application scenarios for 6G technology by 2025, said Liu Liehong, chairman of China Unicom.

The commercial launch of 6G in China is expected to begin from 2030, he said.

China Unicom is determined to accelerate the R&D of 6G by tackling key technologies, said Liang Baojun, the telecom operator's deputy general manager.

The cellular network provider will promote close collaboration between the industry, the academic community and research institutes to carry out collaborative innovation in 6G unified network architecture and technologies, Liang said.

This is a crucial time to identify critical 6G technologies, said Gao Tongqing, deputy general manager of China Mobile, adding that the company will work hard to strengthen tech convergence and innovation.