Beyond 5G: Why 6G Technology Will Hit 1 Tbps Data Speeds by 2030

The next generation of wireless technology will transmit data at speeds exceeding 1 terabit per second, making it 1,000 times faster than current 5G networks, analysis suggests. Despite 5G still rolling out globally, telecommunications companies and researchers are already developing 6G, expected to debut between 2030 and 2035.

While 5G networks operate primarily in lower frequency bands, 6G will utilize the terahertz spectrum with frequencies potentially reaching up to 10 THz. This advancement will enable microsecond-level latency, effectively eliminating delays in data transmission. 6G networks are projected to support approximately 10 million devices per square kilometer, vastly outperforming 5G's capacity of around 1 million devices.

International investment in 6G development has gained substantial momentum. Japan has committed 50 billion yen (approximately $482 million) to research, while the United States has pledged $4.5 billion in collaboration with Japanese partners. These investments aim to create networks that will enable applications such as remote medical procedures, smart city infrastructure, and holographic communication.

This article examines how 6G will achieve these unprecedented speeds, the technical innovations enabling this leap forward, and the global timeline for 6G deployment and standardization.

6G: how the next generation of wireless technology will work

Image Source: ResearchGate

The sixth generation of wireless technology represents the next evolutionary leap in telecommunications, with significant differences from current 5G networks, experts say. Operating across multiple frequency bands, 6G will emphasize the terahertz spectrum to achieve capabilities previously thought impossible.

Terahertz spectrum unlocks ultra-high speeds

Telecommunications researchers plan to harness frequencies between 100 GHz and 10 THz, far beyond 5G's millimeter wave bands. Industry leaders are particularly focusing on the D-band (110-170 GHz) for initial 6G implementation. This spectrum expansion addresses current wireless network scarcity challenges by unlocking significantly wider bandwidth.

A major obstacle for terahertz signals remains their vulnerability to physical obstructions. Researchers at Brown and Rice Universities have developed innovative curved trajectory terahertz beams that can navigate around obstacles rather than being blocked by them.

"This breakthrough maintains continuous connectivity in situations where line-of-sight transmission isn't possible," a researcher from Brown University said.

Network architecture evolves beyond traditional models

Traditional hub-and-spoke networks direct all traffic through central points, creating potential bottlenecks. 6G may implement a hybrid approach to overcome these limitations.

For international deployments, regional hub networks would be more efficient than full mesh configurations. This architecture allows nearby devices to communicate directly when appropriate, reducing latency and improving reliability - particularly benefiting applications requiring microsecond-level responsiveness.

AI becomes foundational rather than supplemental

Artificial intelligence will form the core of 6G networks rather than merely supporting them. The 6G framework will feature an AI-native air interface where trained machine learning models replace traditional signal processing blocks.

This integration progresses through multiple phases: initially replacing power amplifier linearization, then evolving to neural receivers for signal processing, and ultimately achieving end-to-end optimization. Nokia Bell Labs notes that 6G will take a "clean slate approach," allowing AI to determine optimal communication methods between endpoints.

Beyond performance improvements, AI-driven 6G networks will enable immersive experiences that blend physical and digital worlds. They will also facilitate digital twins—virtual replicas that predict how physical entities perform in real environments.

Why 6G will reach terabit-per-second speeds

Image Source: ResearchGate

Achieving terabit-per-second speeds requires fundamental changes in wireless transmission technology. The push toward 1 Tbps—the equivalent of downloading a 30GB 4K movie in just 0.26 seconds stems from three key innovations in 6G development.

Simultaneous transmission and reception on same frequency

In-band full-duplex technology marks a significant departure from traditional wireless design. Unlike conventional half-duplex systems where transmitting and receiving must occur separately, IBFD enables devices to simultaneously transmit and receive signals on identical frequency bands. This capability effectively doubles spectral efficiency without requiring additional bandwidth.

Researchers have developed sophisticated self-interference suppression circuits that allow concurrent transmission and reception of wireless signals. Although self-interference creates challenges due to power differences between transmitted and received signals, mitigation techniques are making IBFD increasingly viable for 6G implementation.

High-frequency bandwidth utilization (100 GHz+)

6G's remarkable speeds stem from its use of previously unused radio frequency waves. Scientists have achieved breakthrough transmission rates by combining high-speed electronics and millimeter wave photonics, tapping into radio frequency wavelengths up to 150 GHz. This hybrid approach generated a total bandwidth of 145 GHz—five times greater than previous wireless transmission record systems.

6G will utilize frequencies in the sub-terahertz (90-300 GHz) and terahertz (300 GHz to 3 THz) ranges. These bands provide vastly wider bandwidths compared to the narrow 5G spectrum, enabling data throughput approaching 1 Tbps. The FCC has already opened the spectrum between 95 GHz and 3 THz for experimental use, paving the way for commercial 6G development.

Advanced modulation and coding techniques

Sophisticated modulation and coding schemes form the third pillar of 6G's speed capabilities. One approach involves deploying higher-order modulation techniques such as 64 QAM, which transmits six bits per symbol versus QPSK's two bits per symbol—tripling data throughput without additional bandwidth.

Researchers are developing channel codes that approach finite length channel capacity—critical for high-frequency millimeter and terahertz communications. As 6G explores frequencies up to 10 THz, these codes must deliver superior performance with minimal encoding and decoding complexity.

6G coding schemes are evolving as multi-objective optimization problems rather than traditional single-objective ones, balancing throughput, reliability, and latency. Alongside hybrid semiconductor technologies like SiGe and InP that can function effectively at sub-THz frequencies, these advancements collectively enable 6G's path toward terabit-speed communications.

Image Source: ASME

The sixth generation of wireless networks will deliver capabilities extending far beyond faster data transmission, telecommunications experts say. These advancements represent fundamental shifts in how networks function rather than incremental improvements to existing systems.

Latency - the delay in data transmission - will drop to 0.1 milliseconds, a tenfold improvement over 5G's performance. Some implementations aim for even lower microsecond-range delays, enabling applications requiring instantaneous response. This reduction makes possible remote surgical procedures, autonomous vehicle communications, and brain-computer interfaces previously limited by transmission delays.

Device capacity will see extraordinary growth with 6G networks. The technology will support approximately 10 million devices per square kilometer, compared to 5G's one million device limit. This tenfold increase enables dense machine-to-machine communications needed for smart city infrastructures and industrial automation systems.

Wireless sensing emerges as a fundamental capability in 6G functionality. The network will function not just as a communication medium but as a sensing platform, gathering environmental data from signals reflecting off objects. This creates digital twins - virtual replicas of physical environments - while providing submillimeter image resolution for healthcare monitoring and industrial applications.

Security measures in 6G integrate AI as a core component rather than an additional feature. These systems can analyze millions of data points simultaneously to identify potential breaches before they occur. AI algorithms generate and manage encryption keys at unprecedented speeds, with some systems creating millions of unique keys per second, while reducing threat response times by up to 96% compared to traditional measures.

Global connectivity will transcend traditional boundaries through integration of terrestrial, maritime, aerial, and space communications. This comprehensive coverage ensures connectivity regardless of location. 6G will enable seamless transitions between mobile networks and non-terrestrial networks, maintaining communications during natural disasters when ground infrastructure fails.

6G development timeline and global rollout

The race toward developing 6G networks has begun across the globe, with standardization bodies, research consortiums and industry partners establishing concrete timelines for implementation.

3GPP standardization roadmap (2026-2030)

In March 2024, 3GPP formalized its commitment to 6G development by establishing a comprehensive standardization timeline. Unlike previous generations, 6G work spans multiple releases—starting with requirements work in Release 19 during 2024, followed by technical specifications in subsequent releases.

According to the approved roadmap, 6G technology development will commence in mid-2025 with a 21-month study phase analyzing various technical options. The critical RAN-level requirement studies will run from September 2024 through June 2026.

By June 2026 at the latest, 3GPP will determine when Release 21 specifications will be finalized, ultimately creating the foundation for 6G. Most industry experts anticipate these specifications will be completed by the end of 2028, enabling commercial deployment within two years afterward.

Commercial availability expected by 2030

As standardization progresses, the telecommunications industry is aligning around 2030 as the target for commercial 6G availability. First lab testing and pilot deployments are expected to begin in 2028, shortly after initial specifications are completed.

Meanwhile, the transition from 5G to 5G Advanced in 2024-2025 will serve as an important stepping stone toward 6G capabilities.

Global research initiatives

Numerous international research programs are currently shaping 6G's foundation. Finland's 6G Flagship program, launched in 2018, stands as the world's first dedicated 6G research initiative. Operating through 2026, it focuses on creating essential technological components and a 6G test network.

In Europe, the Hexa-X project (2021-2023) has established comprehensive use cases and technology enablers for 6G, while its successor Hexa-X-II continues designing the system blueprint for sustainable, inclusive 6G platforms.

North America's Next G Alliance develops technology recommendations, research priorities, and a regional roadmap for 6G, emphasizing applications, spectrum perspectives, and societal needs.

6G development timeline and global standardization

The race to develop 6G networks has begun across the globe, with standardization bodies, research consortiums and industry partners establishing concrete implementation timelines.

In March 2024, 3GPP formalized its commitment to 6G development by establishing a comprehensive standardization roadmap. Unlike previous generations, 6G work spans multiple releases—starting with requirements in Release 19 during 2024, followed by technical specifications in subsequent releases. According to the approved timeline, 6G technology development will commence in mid-2025 with a 21-month study phase analyzing various technical options.

The critical RAN-level requirement studies will run from September 2024 through June 2026. By June 2026 at the latest, 3GPP will determine when Release 21 specifications will be finalized, creating the foundation for 6G. Most industry experts anticipate these specifications will be completed by the end of 2028, enabling commercial deployment within two years.

The telecommunications industry is aligning around 2030 as the target for commercial 6G availability. First lab testing and pilot deployments are expected to begin in 2028, shortly after initial specifications are completed. Meanwhile, the transition from 5G to 5G Advanced in 2024-2025 will serve as an important stepping stone toward 6G capabilities.

Several international research programs are currently shaping 6G's foundation. Finland's 6G Flagship program, launched in 2018, stands as the world's first dedicated 6G research initiative. Operating through 2026, it focuses on creating essential technological components and a 6G test network.

In Europe, the Hexa-X project (2021-2023) has established comprehensive use cases and technology enablers for 6G, while its successor Hexa-X-II continues designing the system blueprint for sustainable, inclusive 6G platforms.

North America's Next G Alliance develops technology recommendations, research priorities, and a regional roadmap for 6G, emphasizing applications, spectrum perspectives, and societal needs.

FAQs

Q1. How much faster will 6G be compared to 5G? 6G is expected to be approximately 1,000 times faster than current 5G networks, with data speeds reaching up to 1 terabit per second. This significant increase in speed will enable a wide range of new applications and technologies.

Q2. When is 6G expected to be commercially available? The telecommunications industry is targeting 2030 for the commercial availability of 6G networks. Initial lab testing and pilot deployments are anticipated to begin around 2028, following the completion of specifications.

Q3. What are some key benefits of 6G technology? 6G will offer ultra-low latency (as low as 0.1 milliseconds), support for 10 million devices per square kilometer, enhanced wireless sensing capabilities, AI-driven security protocols, and seamless global connectivity across land, sea, and space.

Q4. How will 6G networks achieve such high speeds? 6G will utilize the terahertz spectrum (up to 10 THz), implement simultaneous transmission and reception on the same frequency, and employ advanced modulation and coding techniques. These innovations collectively enable the leap to terabit-speed communications.

Q5. What role will AI play in 6G networks? Artificial intelligence will be foundational to 6G rather than supplemental. 6G networks will feature AI-native architecture, allowing for self-optimizing networks, improved security measures, and the facilitation of immersive experiences that blend physical and digital worlds.