Next-generation tech – on 6 G technology

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

Few months after the formal launch of commercial 5G service, India is set to commit resources to the development of 6G technologies with the release of a vision document and the inauguration of a 6G testbed for research & development (R&D).

What are some facts about 6G technology?

• 6G will be100 times faster than 5G.
• It will have multiple applications. The 6G network could enable a host of autonomous cars to talk to one another in real time as they navigate crowded urban landscapes.
• Virtual reality without lags could become a reality. Edge computing, where AI is deployed extensively, will be a possibility.
• 6G aims to be more energy-efficient and better at using whatever spectrum is available for the network. It would have huge positive externalities.

How can G be defined?

• Every “G” from 2G onwards can be described as a set of globally agreed benchmarks that allow for standardized networks to interact with one another and equipment that can be used everywhere.
• R&D at every stage has been focused on developing ways to transfer data more efficiently, and to develop new use cases.

What is the government plan to develop 6G?

• India will set up six technology-innovation groups to explore the possibilities and drive R&D into possible directions that 6G could go.
• The groups will identify priority areas for research involving industry, academia, and service providers in this process.
• The R&D would encompass all areas from mmWave and Terahertz communications, to fibre-broadband, remote operations, multi-sensor man-machine interfaces and devices leveraging edge cloud computing.

What are the aspects that should be considered while launching 6G?

• Earlier launching could give India the leverage to mould 6G standards in advantageous ways. It will generate intellectual property (IP) that could make it a world leader as 6G evolves.
• The initiative must be followed through with robust policy implementation.Policymakers must ensure that roll-outs of commercial networks are not delayed.
• In the case of 5G, India has been late in terms of network roll-outs due to complex telecom policy and the resulting litigation. Policymakers need to learn from those mistakes.