Today, with the full-scale rollout of 5G, 6G, as the next-generation mobile communication technology, is quietly emerging as a new high ground in global technological competition. From government work reports to industrial forums, from laboratory breakthroughs to enterprise layouts, 6G is no longer an unattainable science fiction concept, but a technological revolution that is accelerating its arrival. So, what exactly is a 6G network? How will it change our future?
6G Network: From Concept to Reality
6G, or the sixth generation of mobile communication technology, is the next-generation communication system following 5G. According to the current research progress, 6G is expected to be commercially available around 2030, and its standardization work is planned to start in 2025. Compared with 5G, 6G is not merely an increase in speed, but a comprehensive innovation in communication architecture.
The core features of 6G
Ultra-high speed and extremely low latency
The theoretical peak rate of 6G networks is expected to reach more than ten times that of 5G, and the latency will be further reduced to below the millisecond level. This means that users can complete operations such as downloading high-definition videos, real-time cloud gaming and ultra-high-definition video calls in an instant, experiencing an unprecedented sense of smoothness.
The integration of the digital, physical and human worlds
6G will promote the deep integration of the digital world, the physical world and the human world, and achieve new functions such as "synesthesia integration" and "semantic communication". In the future, 6G networks will not only be able to transmit data but also understand its meaning, thereby achieving a more intelligent interactive experience.
Integrated space-ground network architecture
6G will break through the limitations of ground communication and build an integrated satellite-ground network architecture. Through the collaborative work of satellites and ground base stations, 6G will achieve seamless global coverage, ensuring stable network services whether in the deep sea, deserts or high altitudes.
Application scenarios of 6G
Smart cities and intelligent transportation
6G will drive the comprehensive upgrade of smart cities. With its ultra-high bandwidth and low latency features, 6G can achieve real-time regulation of urban traffic signals, collaborative operation of driverless cars, and intelligent management of urban security systems, making cities more efficient and safe.
Industrial Internet and Intelligent Manufacturing
In the industrial sector, 6G will empower the industrial Internet, enabling comprehensive interconnection and intelligent management of equipment within factories. Through 6G networks, enterprises can monitor the operation status of production lines in real time, respond quickly to market demands, and significantly enhance production efficiency.
Smart healthcare and remote surgery
The low latency and high reliability of 6G will provide strong support for smart healthcare. Doctors can perform remote surgeries through 6G networks, control medical equipment in real time, and provide high-quality medical services to patients in remote areas.
Global 6G research and development progress
China's 6G layout
China has made remarkable progress in 6G research and development. In 2025, the government work report included 6G technology in the core framework for cultivating future industries for the first time. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also stated that it will accelerate the research and development process of 6G. China Mobile and other enterprises have made breakthroughs in 6G technology, with research and development funds reaching 39.1 billion yuan this year.
Global 6G Technology Forum
In March 2025, the 6G Technology and Industry Innovation Forum was held during the Zhongguancun Forum, gathering authoritative experts and industry leaders in the global 6G field to jointly discuss cutting-edge topics such as the deep integration of 6G and AI, and the integrated space-ground network architecture.
The breakthrough of Zijinshan Laboratory
At the 2025 Global 6G Technology and Industry Ecosystem Conference held in Nanjing, Zijinshan Laboratory publicly unveiled the world's first 6G field test network for the integration of communication, intelligence and sensing for the first time. The performance of this test network has been improved by more than ten times compared to 5G, marking an important step for 6G technology to move from the laboratory to practical application.
Challenges and Future Prospects of 6G
Although 6G has a promising future, its development still faces many challenges. First of all, the technical standards for 6G have not yet been unified. Countries around the world need to enhance cooperation and jointly promote the formulation of 6G standards. Secondly, the research and development and deployment of 6G require a huge amount of capital investment. How to balance cost and benefit is an important issue.
However, with the continuous advancement of technology and the sustained investment in the industry, 6G is bound to become an important infrastructure for the future digital economy. It will not only change people's lifestyles, but also drive the digital transformation of the global society, creating a smarter and more efficient future for humanity.
As a representative of the next-generation communication technology, 6G networks are leading the new direction of global technological development with their ultra-high speed, extremely low latency and intelligent features. From smart cities to industrial Internet, from smart healthcare to space-ground integration, 6G will profoundly change our world. Let's look forward together to the arrival of the 6G era, which will bring more surprises and possibilities to human society!