Forget 5G! 6G could be 8,000 times faster than 5G

5G is still in its infancy, but China is a step ahead and looking at 6G. The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology has reportedly launched foundation work for the "development of the future network" 6G.

Reports say that the preparatory work for 6G has already begun and as per some experts, 6G speeds could be 1 terabyte (TB) per second – that's 8,000 times faster than 5G.

As per reports, China has set up two working groups to oversee research around 6G. One of which is made up of executives from the sector ministries and the second group is made up of 37 experts from universities, research institutes and technology companies. The first group is responsible for supporting the latter group.

In theory, 6G networks could offer speeds of 1TB/ second or 1,000 gigabytes or 8,000 gigabits per second. This kind of speed would facilitate new types of uses and revolutionise technology. As per a professor from the University of Sydney, Dr Mahyar Shirvanimoghaddam, the 6G era could, for example, "offer new perspectives in terms of brain-computer interfaces" and make it possible to "use devices via our brain".

In terms of regular use, here's an example you will be able to understand better. Broadcasting Netflix in the highest definition requires 56 gigabits of data per hour. With 6G, we will be able to download over 142 hours of high-quality content every second.

Though, let's not get excited so early. To achieve 6G researchers still have to remove significant obstacles. As per Shirvanimoghaddam, these 6G speeds would need significant improvements in "materials science, computer architecture, chip design and energy use (…)We must think about sustainable ways to supply all these devices without the risk of burning the Earth".

5G is still in its early stages and work on 6G has already begun – while this seems far too early, we should not forget that it took almost ten years to develop a new generation network. The initial steps of 6G are in plans for 2030, so starting now makes sense. China is not the only country prepping for 6G; Japan is in the race as well.