China takes first steps towards next generation communications
China launched two experimental satellites into low-Earth orbit earlier this month, according to China Global Television Network (CGTN), an English-language state news organization. The first satellite, China Mobile 01, is equipped with the world's first signal processing satellite based on the 5G ground-to-space operating system. The second satellite, Xinghe («Stellar Core»), contains a stand-alone architecture for the future 6G network.
This does not mean that Chinese smartphones will significantly increase data speeds, since widespread use of 6G is not expected until 2030 at the earliest. Although China actually launched its first 6G satellite back in 2020, significant changes in the high-tech sector have not yet occurred. However, the era of 6G (and misleading marketing) is fast approaching.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines the speed of wireless networks. And while they haven't specified speeds for 6G, Scientific American reports that 6G could have data speeds that are 10 to 1,000 times faster than 5G. This means increasing download speeds to terabits per second, which could lead to a surge in development in the field of augmented and virtual reality, as well as self-driving cars, eliminating the shortcomings of existing networks and dead spots.
After an expensive and multi-year rollout, the rollout of 5G in the US, which brings with it increased download speeds and reliability, it is estimated that 91% of Americans will be connected to a 5G network by 2030.
The introduction of 5G defined telecommunications in the 2020s, and 6G will be the technology of the 2030s and beyond. Although China is launching «6G» satellites, the technology is still in its infancy.
The US government, for its part, does not stand still. Back in April 2023, the White House met with industry leaders to discuss 6G adoption and develop a roadmap to avoid aspects that would hinder 5G adoption. For example, in 2023, more than 100 million more subscribers used 4G than 5G, with adoption rates much higher in China.
The first developers and implementers of the 6G network will be given a technological advantage, so countries are competing for leadership in this area. Despite the fact that this technology is not yet available to ordinary users, its appearance has already influenced space developments.