6G, or the sixth generation of wireless technology, is the upcoming successor to 5G, expected to transform connectivity by the early 2030s. While still in development, 6G aims to deliver ultra-high data speeds, microsecond latency, and seamless integration between the digital and physical worlds through technologies like AI, extended reality (XR), and the Internet of Everything (IoE).
How 6G Differs from 5G
While 5G focused on speed and device density, 6G is designed for intelligence and ubiquity. It will combine communication and computation to create self-optimising networks that can manage themselves in real time. Expected peak speeds could exceed 1 Tbps (terabit per second), enabling fully immersive experiences such as tactile internet, holographic communication, and hyper-realistic digital twins.
6G will also push connectivity into the terahertz (THz) spectrum, offering massive bandwidth but requiring new infrastructure, including ultra-dense small cells and satellite-terrestrial integration. AI will be deeply embedded into the network, allowing predictive optimisation and autonomous service delivery.
Business Impact
For businesses, 6G represents an opportunity to reimagine how data, devices, and decision-making converge. It will enable advanced use cases such as:
- Smart manufacturing: Real-time AI-driven automation with millisecond precision.
- Remote operations: Immersive, tactile control for surgery, logistics, and defence.
- Connected mobility: Autonomous vehicle ecosystems communicating instantly.
- Digital twins: Live virtual replicas of factories, cities, or supply chains for predictive analytics.
India is already investing in indigenous 6G R&D, with the Bharat 6G Mission aiming to lead global standardisation and innovation.
Considerations
6G’s rollout will demand huge advances in energy efficiency, spectrum management, and infrastructure sharing. Security, privacy, and governance models must evolve to match the scale and intelligence of next-generation networks.
