While 5G technology is still not widely available globally, experts are already working on the next generation of mobile internet: 6G. China, a pioneer in this field, has made remarkable progress since launching the world’s first 6G satellite into orbit in November 2020.
Record-Breaking 6G Transmission from Space
Five years after the initial satellite launch, China has set a new milestone by successfully transmitting 6G data from a satellite to Earth. Cheng Guang Satellite Technology Co., a leading aerospace firm in China, revealed that during a recent 6G test, they achieved an image transmission speed of 100 GB per second—10 times faster than previous records.
This remarkable feat was made possible using the Jilin-1 satellite network, which operates in low Earth orbit. Wang Heng Hang, head of the company’s laser communication division, explained, “With a transmission speed of 100 Gbps, you could download 10 full movies in just one second.”
Future Plans for 6G Infrastructure
The company plans to integrate laser communication technology across all 117 Jilin-1 satellites by 2025, further enhancing the network’s capacity and speed.
China’s Race to Lead in 6G
China aims to become the first country to introduce 6G technology, which will feature significantly higher electromagnetic spectrum frequencies. While 5G signals operate within the 6 to 40 GHz range, 6G will rely on frequencies between 100 and 300 GHz, necessitating new infrastructure to support the advanced technology.
Key Developments in 6G Standards
In September 2024, China introduced three critical 6G technology standards through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to enhance its 2030 framework. These standards, approved during the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector Study Group 13 meeting on July 26, 2024, focus on various aspects of 6G, such as content transmission, data updates, and system performance assessments.
First Field Test of 6G Technology
In July 2024, Chinese telecom engineers achieved a major breakthrough by installing the world’s first 6G field test network. Developed by the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, the experimental network enabled 6G transmission over 4G infrastructure, showcasing a 10x improvement in network coverage, efficiency, and performance.
This field test network provides scientists with valuable opportunities to conduct research and evaluate various aspects of 6G technology, marking a significant step toward the future of wireless communication.
