Just as 5G is becoming more widespread, the next generation of mobile internet is already in early development. The early standards for this new 6G technology suggest that it will offer significant changes and improvements in speed for faster data transfer, latency for more efficient online gaming, and better connectivity.
6G promises ultra-fast speeds, real-time holograms, advanced AI integration, and seamless global connectivity. It could transform industries like healthcare, transport, and education with smarter, more immersive, and instant communication.
This article defines 6G and explains why it matters, the evolution timeline from 5G to 6G, cybersecurity, and what’s still unknown about 6G. Read on to discover what we know about 6G so far and what’s still unclear about how it will change our lives.
Table of contents
What Is 6G and Why Does It Matter?
You may have heard of 6G internet, but how much do you know about it?
6G is the sixth generation of mobile network technology, hence the six for the sixth iteration and G for generation. The next question many people have is: 5G is fast enough, so why does 6G matter?
The answer comes in a single word: speed. 6G mobile internet is capable of transferring files at a staggering one terabit per second, so it could stream an entire movie in one second and watch it without buffering. It also offers microsecond latency for uninterrupted connections and full-spectrum coverage, so it will work effectively anywhere.
To elaborate on why this matters, we can look at specific industries that will benefit.
Healthcare will gain remote surgery and real-time diagnostics. Manufacturing will see ultra-precise automation. Smart cities will optimize energy and traffic systems. Autonomous vehicles will communicate instantly for safer, smoother navigation, improving efficiency and reducing accidents across urban and industrial environments.
From 5G to 5G‑Advanced to 6G—The Evolution Timeline
It’s helpful to consider how we are moving toward 6G and the massive improvements in speed between the previous generations of mobile network technologies. From the humble, slow speeds of 1G using analogue data transmission to the 6G that is currently under testing, mobile network technologies have come a long way.
1G and 2G
We have come a long way from 1G internet of the eighties that used analog signals to 2G in the nineties that began using digital data transmission, on to 3G in the noughties, which is the standard most mobile device users are most familiar with.
3G and 4G
3G was hailed as one of the largest leaps in mobile network technology because it matched the home internet speeds of most users at the time. 4G, which arrived in the 2010s, was an iteration on this, but for the broadband generation.
5G
5G, which began to roll out in 2019, is a huge leap from 4G LTE, as instead of 100MBPS, while still fast for most use cases, 5G speeds can reach up to 20 Gbps. This difference means that 5G is 100 times faster than 4G. And we haven’t even mentioned 6G yet.
5G-advanced
Before we get to 6G, there is 5G-advanced. This technology enhances speed, coverage, and AI support, up to 10 times faster than standard 5G, enabling smarter, low-latency applications while we await the arrival of 6G.
6G is not so far away as people think: It is due to be rolled out between 2028 and 2030, and testing is already underway in South Korea, China, the EU, and the US. This newest iteration will offer a huge leap from 5G-advanced to transfer files at one terabit per second.
Cybersecurity in a 6G World: Complex Threats, Smarter Defenses
One of the challenges that mobile phone sellers won’t mention is that 6G provides hackers with even greater opportunities than ever before to enter your device and steal sensitive data.
The first cybersecurity consideration is that 5G and 6G are AI-native networks, so they need AI-powered security solutions.
AI-native Networks Need AI-powered Security Solutions
Traditional security tools can’t keep up with AI-driven threats. Networks using AI must defend themselves with adaptive, intelligent AI security systems.
Device and Sensor Connectivity Vulnerabilities
More connected devices create more entry points for attackers, making networks harder to secure and increasing the chances of unauthorized access or breaches.
Third-party Risk Management Becomes Critical
Each vendor connection could introduce vulnerabilities. Without strong third-party risk management (TPRM), compromised partners may expose sensitive data or allow system infiltration.
Conclusion
6G has huge potential, like all the tech leaders have been telling us. But something that isn’t discussed as often is the challenges that users will need to overcome to optimize their use of this new technology.
Security is a major concern because 6G is an AI-native internet standard. But this means that AI will be instrumental in providing security defense against these attacks. It’s also helpful to note that early standards show what’s possible, but not yet practical, so we are a long way off rolling out 6G.
If you’re leading a company or have a role in government, you must prepare now based on the early standards, especially in areas like cybersecurity and infrastructure, to use 6G properly and securely.
