An early look at what 6G might look like in the US

The 5G Americas trade association published a report on how 6G technologies might perform in the 7GHz band, hinting at cell site capacity of 18 Gbit/s but coverage potentially smaller than what's available on 4G and 5G.

Mike Dano, Editorial Director, 5G & Mobile Strategies

October 11, 2024

3 Min Read
A visitor looks at a 6G logo at Mobile World Congress Barcelona
(Source: Isabel Infantes/Alamy Stock Photo)

A North American trade association is offering a very early look at how 6G networks might perform in the US. The group speculates that average 6G cell site capacity could reach 18 Gbit/s, compared with 800 Mbit/s on 5G networks. But the firm cautions that early 6G coverage might trail the coverage provided by 4G and 5G networks.

The new 26-page report from the 5G Americas trade group centers on spectrum in the 7GHz band. That band has been identified by the Biden administration as a focus area. It's also spectrum fingered by big 5G vendors like Ericsson and Nokia as the possible "home" for 6G.

"The 7-8 GHz spectrum will potentially be a cornerstone of 6G technology, enabling faster, more reliable networks that are essential for the next wave of innovation in AI, smart cities, and immersive experiences," said Viet Nguyen, of 5G Americas, in a release from the association.

Broadly, the 5G Americas association works to guide policymakers and others on wireless technology trends and directions. In its new report, the group helps to highlight how 6G in the 7GHz band might behave.

The findings

Specifically, the group predicts much speedier connections:

(Source: 5G Americas) Estimated 6G cell capacity at 7 GHz.

But it also warns the coverage provided by 6G in the 7GHz band might not be as good as what 4G and 5G networks have supported.

(Source: 5G Americas) Estimated 6G coverage at 7 GHz.

To be clear, 6G technology will likely work in a variety of spectrum bands. And, like 5G, it will probably perform much differently based on whatever band it's running in.

Further, 6G is still in its very early stages. Indeed, the main standards association for the global wireless industry – the 3GPP – has just started work on developing the standard itself. Moreover, US regulators haven't yet freed up spectrum in the 7GHz band for cellular operations.

But that hasn't stopped technology companies from dabbling in the next generation of cellular technology. For example, Docomo, NEC, NTT and Fujitsu recently announced new tests of a "wireless device" capable of 100Gbit/s speeds, running in the 100GHz and 300GHz spectrum bands. The companies said their work represents a precursor to eventual 6G networks.

Part of the reason for such hype is a growing malaise in the 5G industry. Operators have reduced spending on their networks amid a dearth of new, revenue-generating services, pushing vendors to pin their hopes on another round of 6G-related network upgrades.

Now, as a result, some have begun warning vendors to avoid overhyping 6G, as they did in the early days of 5G. "We believe it is time for a reset – a moment in time that causes those involved to stop, re-think direction, and hopefully develop a better vision for 6G that aligns with what consumers, businesses and public sector users want while being profitable for all of those in the value chain," analyst Dean Bubley, with Disruptive Wireless, wrote in a brief post to social media

As a result, he said he's part of a group launching "6greset." He said the group is "dedicated to saving 6G from itself. Which wants to try to help the industry – and policymakers, users, academia and other stakeholders – towards a more useful 6G."

About the Author

Mike Dano

Editorial Director, 5G & Mobile Strategies, Light Reading

Mike Dano is Light Reading's Editorial Director, 5G & Mobile Strategies. Mike can be reached at [email protected], @mikeddano or on LinkedIn.

Based in Denver, Mike has covered the wireless industry as a journalist for almost two decades, first at RCR Wireless News and then at FierceWireless and recalls once writing a story about the transition from black and white to color screens on cell phones.

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