In the context of global digital transformation, the development of 6G technology has garnered increasing attention. Recently, during the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) plenary meeting held in Melbourne, Australia, a key project led by China Mobile on 6G use cases and requirements was approved, marking a significant advancement in the global standardization of 6G.
This project received support from over 90 companies worldwide, making it the first 6G standard initiative since the establishment of 3GPP, highlighting China's leadership in this area.
According to the 3GPP timeline, standardization efforts for 6G will officially commence in 2024, with a foundational version of the standard (Rel-21) expected to be completed by 2029. Compared to 5G, 6G is set to significantly enhance peak data rates to 100 Gbps, with latency reduced to 0.1 milliseconds, resulting in a vastly improved user experience. 6G represents not just an iteration of mobile communication technology, but a deep integration of communications with intelligence, computing power, and AI.
Moreover, industry interest in 6G is growing, with the number of participating companies increasing dramatically from 8 during the 5G era to 46, indicating a heightened global focus on 6G technology. Notably, satellite companies have also joined the fold for the first time, signifying a diversification of technological applications.
In recent years, China has made significant breakthroughs in the development of 6G technology. The country has established the world’s first outdoor experimental network integrating communication and intelligence, achieving the goal of enabling 4G and 5G links with 6G transmission capabilities. This innovative technology enhances communication performance through a simplified network structure, showcasing China's strong R&D capabilities in the 6G domain.
At the policy level, China is actively promoting 6G initiatives. Since the establishment of the 6G Promotion Group in 2019, the country has launched multiple technology trials and fostered standardization and international collaboration. The International Telecommunication Union's recommendations have adopted five typical 6G scenarios and 14 key capability indicators from China, reflecting the country’s influence in global 6G standard-setting.
Globally, the development of 6G technology is characterized by intense competition. Recent joint statements from countries including the U.S., U.K., and Australia aim to advance 6G network development and standardization based on shared principles, evidently as a strategy to curb China's rapid advancements in this field. However, differences in market scale and user base position China advantageously in the global 6G competition.
Market analysts suggest that while countries like the U.S. seek to compete with China on a policy level, China will continue to maintain a leading position in terms of actual applications and technological maturity. Furthermore, companies such as Huawei have established independent 6G strategies, underscoring their significant role in the global communications market.
In terms of technological innovation, the establishment of the AI-RAN alliance further emphasizes the central role of artificial intelligence in future 6G networks. By integrating AI into cellular communication technologies, countries aim to enhance network efficiency and create new economic opportunities for telecom companies.