The future of wireless communications technology is fast advancing. It was only in 2019 that global operators started launching 5G. While 5G is still in the process of global implementation, 6G has already begun to see development.
6G is the sixth generation of wireless technology. The first generation, 1G, came in the 1980s and delivered analog voice. Then, in the early 1990s, 2G was introduced, bringing digital voice and improving not just voice quality but also battery life and network security.
This was followed by 3G in the early 2000s, which brought mobile data and opened new possibilities, such as video calling and multimedia messaging support. The fourth generation, 4G, in the 2010s, ushered in the era of mobile broadband with reduced latency and higher-speed bandwidth. Meanwhile, 5G further increased speed and supports applications like augmented reality (AR) and autonomous driving.
So, each new generation of wireless communications technology has come with new capabilities, and that stands for 6G as well.
Continuing with the trend of innovation and improvements in wireless communications, 6G will bring us increased bandwidth and speed, extremely low latency, and reliability. With this tech, the aim is to truly deliver ubiquitous wireless intelligence and communication.
The new tech will be using the same building blocks as previous networks, such as base stations, routers, antennas, etc., but what will make it different is the use of new technologies to further advance wireless communication capabilities.
This means that 6G will built upon 5G to further perfect the improvements brought by the current technology in network connectivity for the end user.
In addition to providing high-speed connectivity with predictably low latency, the 6G network is expected to handle the exponentially growing traffic demand in a cost-efficient manner. It may also finally achieve full global coverage, offering everyone access. However, supporting such a large number of devices will require sustainable costs for both service providers and consumers.
However, that’s not enough. In addition to these improvements and worldwide coverage by connecting remote areas, advances in technology also have to offer resistance to deliberate malicious attacks on infrastructure and resilience against natural disasters and local disturbances.
All these advances in 6G technology will help us with precision health care, smart agriculture, smart cities, digital twins, space communications, and robot navigation. It will further enable real-time data processing and analysis at the network’s edge as well as the seamless incorporation of billions of interconnected devices into everyday life. The deployment of 6G is also expected to help with eco-friendly innovations to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable development.
While 6G promises a highly advanced future, it faces several challenges, including cost and security. To have this technology up and running, we would need a new infrastructure at scale, which is expensive to build. Also, open-source technology, virtual networks, and IoT will increase its vulnerability to security breaches.
Here, quantum encryption, blockchain, and AI’s predictive capabilities are being explored as possible security solutions, while virtualization of many physical components is expected to help with the cost.
When it comes to the global market size of this technology, it is projected to be worth $40.5 billion by 2032, driven by demand for hyper-connectivity, benefits of low latency and high data rates, the promise of next-generation applications, the utilization of terahertz frequencies and AI, and the potential to bridge the digital divide.
6G technology is expected to begin its rollout by the end of this decade. For now, it is still in its early research stages.
Improving Wireless Communication with Quantum Material
With a growing focus on dramatically improving wireless communication technology globally, researchers are exploring different ways to unlock faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication.
A team of researchers has now found ways to amplify the frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in structures based on graphene.
Terahertz (THz) wireless communication systems have been gaining a lot of traction due to the drive for ever-increasing bandwidths and frequencies in the THz spectrum, especially broad bandwidths.
While megahertz bandwidth is enough for current applications, future network communication scenarios will require bandwidths in several gigahertz (GHz) to perform well. Being high-frequency waves with extremely short wavelengths, THz waves can convey data more quickly.
Terahertz (THz) is a unit of frequency that measures electromagnetic waves in the range of 0.1-10 THz. These waves, which are non-invasive and safe for humans, animals, and plants, are located between infrared and millimeter waves in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum.
This means THz waves can be utilized for non-invasive imaging through opaque materials for quality control and security applications.
Its extremely large bandwidth potential further allows for ultra-high data rates and, of course, enables capabilities that are beyond 5G. However, this promising technology is easily absorbed by atmospheric components like air and water vapor, which reduces signal strength over distance.
When it comes to THz waves’ potential for wireless communication, progress has been made in THz nonlinear optics. Nonlinear optics involves studying light’s interaction with materials to create unique phenomena, which includes the generation of optical harmonics.
As THz technologies continue to evolve, the University of Ottawa researchers have developed a way to build devices that can upconvert electromagnetic signals to higher oscillation frequencies. This can effectively narrow the gap between GHz electronics and THz photonics.
The findings of the latest study, published in Nature1 showed the team’s innovative strategies to enhance THz nonlinearities in devices based on graphene.
According to Jean-Michel Ménard, the associate professor of Physics from the Faculty of Science who collaborated on the project:
“[This] marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency of THz frequency converters, a critical aspect for multi-spectral THz applications and especially the future of communication systems, like 6G.”
Using the method demonstrated in the new research, the unique optical properties of graphene can also be utilized.
Extracted from graphite, graphene is made up of pure carbon, which is one of the most important elements in nature. This emerging quantum material is actually made of a single layer of carbon atoms and is known for being tough, light, and flexible.
This 2D material is also known for its resistance and high thermal and electrical conductivity. More importantly, graphene has remarkable optical properties. These include having high transparency in the visible spectra range, which depends on its band structure, tunable infrared optical absorbance, and photoresponse up to the THz frequency range.
All these amazing properties make graphene a valuable material in the fields of energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors. Notably, its large optical nonlinearity, along with its ease of integration in devices, makes graphene an ideal candidate for becoming a key component for all-optical switching and frequency conversion technologies for signal processing and wireless communication applications.
Studies that have previously combined THz light and graphene mainly focused on fundamental light-matter interactions. Only assessing the effect of just one parameter has rather weak nonlinear effects.
So, the latest research instead combined multiple innovative approaches to improve these nonlinear effects and, at the same time, take full advantage of graphene’s unique properties.
To boost THz nonlinearities in graphene-based structures, the team increased the length of interaction using a multi-layered design, controlled carrier density with an electrical gate and modulated the THz field spatial distribution with a metallic metasurface substrate.
The new experiment, along with its device architectures, Ali Maleki, a PhD student in the Ultrafast THz group at uOttawa, noted, “offer the possibility to explore a vast range of materials beyond graphene and potentially identify new nonlinear optical mechanisms.”
The team reported third harmonic generation (THG) enhancement factors surpassing thirty and proposed architectures proficient in accomplishing an increase of two-order-of-magnitude.
Maleki, who gathered and analyzed study results, believes the research is crucial to refine THz frequency conversion techniques. The development, according to him, will eventually also help integrate this technology into real-world applications, “particularly to enable efficient, chip-integrated nonlinear THz signal converters that will drive future communication systems.”
Major Players in 6G
The race to dominate the 6G development has everyone from China and the US to South Korea, Europe, and India implementing advanced plans.
Companies are also collaborating to accelerate their development. Samsung Electronics has partnered with Japan’s largest mobile operator, NTT Docomo, to “speed up AI-powered innovation in the telecom industry,” which will also realize future communications like 6G. SoftBank Corp has signed an MoU with Nokia for the development of a communication system that leverages AI for 6G technology. Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its team to take a deeper dive into the 6G realm.
So, as everyone onboard the 6G train, let’s take a look at a couple of major publicly listed companies that stand to gain a lot from the advancement.
1. Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM -1.23%)
This semiconductor giant is already involved in supplying 5G modems and continues to invest in maintaining its leadership. Qualcomm regularly provides its vision for 6G and has been working on advanced semiconductor solutions and wireless standards to power the infrastructure and devices for the same.
Last month, the company noted that 6G is positioned to meet the challenges of expanded spectrum availability and greater efficiency in its use. It also aims to unlock opportunities across low, mid, and high spectrum bands, where it will boost coverage and capacity and enable high-performance applications like gen AI and immersive XR.
Qualcomm’s goal is to drive innovations that open the way to a new spectrum while improving existing bands’ operational efficiency.
To prepare for the upcoming 6G era, Qualcomm has been working with spectrum regulators, mobile operators, OEMs, and academia. In particular, it has been getting the upper mid-band (7 GHz to 16 GHz range) ready for 6G.
Called ‘Giga-MIMO,’ the technology comes with a much denser antenna array in the base station and a more complex device baseband and radio frequency (RF) design. Qualcomm also introduced its expanded 5G mmWave test network, which will also be a foundational enabler for integrated communications and sensing.
6G will further build on the air interface foundation and integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial networking (TN/NTN), said John Smee, Global Head of Wireless Research at Qualcomm, in an interview. As for the transition from 5G to 6G, he expects it to significantly enhance wireless connectivity while enabling new services like AI, sensing, and digital twins.
Talking about AI in particular, Smee noted that it is set to enhance not just 5G but also 6G system performance, operational efficiency, and user experiences while unlocking new use cases at scale. The AI native paradigm, according to him, can bring more innovation to devices and networks.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM -1.23%)
Now, when it comes to Qualcomm’s financials, the $190.24 billion market cap company’s stocks, as of writing, have been trading at $174. The company stocks are up 12.04% YTD. Its EPS (TTM) meanwhile is 8.95 and its P/E (TTM) ratio is 19.24. It also pays a dividend yield of 1.98%.
For its last reported quarter, which ended Sept. 2024, the company had a non-GAAP revenue of $10.2 billion while its non-GAAP earnings per share was $2.69, with year-over-year growth in EPS coming in more than 30%. Qualcomm also paid $2.2 billion in stockholder returns, which included $1.3 billion in stock repurchases and $947 million in dividends. Free cash flow for fiscal year 2024 was reported $11.2bln.
The company has also been making significant progress in its diversification strategy, which has allowed it to produce chips for PCs, cars, and machines.
“We will continue to transform Qualcomm from a wireless communications company into a connected computing company for the age of AI.”
– CEO Cristiano Amon at the time
2. Verizon Communications (VZ +2.64%)
Back in 2020, the CTO of this telecommunications provider said that he “doesn’t know what the hell 6G is,” and their focus remains on enhancing 5G. The company has, however, notably joined other wireless industry leaders to form the Next G Alliance.
Verizon, along with Qualcomm, Samsung, AT&T, Apple, Google, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Facebook, Bell Canada, Ciena, InterDigital, JMA Wireless, TELUS, Telnyx, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, has come together to form the Alliance. The Alliance aims to develop a national 6G roadmap, align stakeholder priorities for government policies and funding, and identify strategies to accelerate the adoption of 6G technology across sectors.
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ +2.64%)
When it comes to Verizon’s financials, the $166.45 billion market cap company’s stocks, as of writing, have been trading at $40.10. The company stocks are down 1.13% YTD. Its EPS (TTM) meanwhile is 4.15 and its P/E (TTM) ratio is 9.54. Verizon pays a dividend yield as high as 6.85%.
For Q4 2024, Verizon reported what it calls “industry-leading” wireless service revenue at $20 bln. Its total operating revenue was $35.7 billion, and the consolidated net income was $5.1 billion. The company’s total unsecured debt was $117.9 billion.
Q4 was actually the best quarter for Verizon in five years in terms of wireless subscriber growth, driven by customizable myPlan and Black Friday deals. The company also added nearly 1 million postpaid mobile and broadband subscribers, the best quarterly result in over a decade. Its fixed wireless subscribers, meanwhile, were at almost 4.6 million. The company has also unveiled Verizon AI Connect, which capitalizes on the AI boom by allowing businesses to manage their AI workloads at scale.
Conclusion
After focusing on human-to-human communication in earlier generations of technology and then creating a fundamental shift in data consumption, the focus is now on connecting the IoT and automation systems. But with 6G, the human and digital worlds will be merged seamlessly for enhanced experiences.
Technological advancements, growing digitization, advanced use cases, and deliverance of extreme performance are set to drive the 6G market forward. With its ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and global connectivity, 6G technology will power the new future through self-driving cars, smart cities, and virtual reality.
This new wireless technology generation is expected to shape the economy and society once it gets launched in the early 2030s. However, there are barriers in terms of high initial cost, limited spectrum availability, and standardization challenges that must first be overcome.
Research, such as the one discussed here, plays a crucial role in making this technology a reality. It demonstrates the value of graphene for enabling terahertz (THz) frequency communication, which is key to 6 G’s future capabilities. So, with research ongoing, governments introducing initiatives, and companies collaborating, we have already begun making progress towards the sixth generation of wireless technology that promises a more connected and innovative future!
Cleaning up graphene is key to its commercialization.
Study Reference:
1. Maleki, A., Heindl, M. B., Xin, Y., Boyd, R. W., Herink, G., & Ménard, J.-M. (2024). Strategies to enhance THz harmonic generation combining multilayered, gated, and metamaterial-based architectures. Light: Science & Applications, 15, Article 1657. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41377-024-01657-1
