Imagine a future where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds are seamlessly integrated: holographic avatars participating in virtual meetings, autonomous vehicles navigating urban landscapes, and digital twins replicating real-world entities in virtual environments. This vision is rapidly approaching with the development of 6G technology, the successor to the current 5G wireless standard.

China has been at the forefront of 6G advancements, setting ambitious goals and establishing international standards. In 2024, under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), China introduced three pivotal 6G technological standards. These standards aim to enhance immersive communication, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, and AI integration, aligning with the ITU’s International Mobile Telecommunications 2030 framework. As noted by Cui Kai, an associate research director from consulting company IDC, “Immersive communication goes beyond just VR or multimedia screens. Any service requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability can benefit from these architectures and modules.” ([scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3278257/china-sets-some-global-standards-6g-tech-it-looks-towards-next-gen-communications?utm_source=openai))

Looking ahead, China plans to commence research on 6G technology standards in June 2025, with the technical research phase expected to conclude by 2027. The first version of the 6G standard is anticipated to be finalized by March 2029. Wang Zhiqin, leader of China’s 6G promotion group and deputy director of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, emphasized that 6G will integrate communication with sensing, AI, and computing, connecting not only humans but also intelligent entities like robots and the metaverse. ([english.dotdotnews.com](https://english.dotdotnews.com/a/202411/16/AP67372b89e4b079cd3fbda367.html?utm_source=openai))

In December 2023, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) allocated the 6GHz spectrum for 5G and 6G systems. This mid-band spectrum offers large bandwidth, making it particularly suitable for future 5G and 6G deployments. Zhang Yunming, vice minister of MIIT, highlighted the importance of solidifying the foundations for 6G applications and fostering inter-sector collaboration to nurture a robust 6G ecosystem. ([global.chinadaily.com.cn](https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202312/06/WS657056b0a31090682a5f1c7c.html?utm_source=openai))

While China leads in 6G development, other nations are also making strides. The United States, for instance, has opened the “terahertz wave” spectrum (95 GHz to 3 THz) for experimental use, allowing engineers to begin unveiling the next generation of wireless technology. This initiative positions the U.S. to regain leadership in wireless technology, especially amid ongoing tech competitions. As Vikrant Gandhi, senior industry director of information and communications technologies at Frost & Sullivan, stated, “Unlike 5G, North America will not let the opportunity for a generational leadership slide by so easily this time.” ([telecomreview.com](https://www.telecomreview.com/articles/reports-and-coverage/5053-global-efforts-initiated-for-6g-development/?utm_source=openai))

In Europe, the 5G Infrastructure Association (5GIA) released a white paper titled “European Vision for the 6G Network Ecosystem,” covering key areas related to 6G research from technical, societal, policy, and business perspectives. The European Commission has also announced nearly €900 million in funding for 6G research as part of the Smart Networks and Services (SNS) project, aiming to develop a solid 5G infrastructure and allocate spectrum resources effectively. ([telecomreview.com](https://www.telecomreview.com/articles/reports-and-coverage/5053-global-efforts-initiated-for-6g-development/?utm_source=openai))

As the global race towards 6G intensifies, international collaboration and standardization will be crucial. China’s proactive approach in setting standards and fostering international cooperation underscores its commitment to leading in this transformative technology. The convergence of communication, sensing, AI, and computing in 6G promises to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to transportation, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth.

What is 6G technology?

6G, or sixth-generation wireless technology, is the anticipated successor to 5G, aiming to provide ultra-high-speed connectivity, ultra-reliable low-latency dialogue, and seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and sensing capabilities. It is indeed expected to revolutionize various sectors by enabling applications such as holographic communication, autonomous vehicles, and advanced industrial automation.

What role is China playing in 6G growth?

China is at the forefront of 6G research and development. in 2024, under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), China introduced three pivotal 6G technological standards focusing on immersive communication, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, and AI integration. These standards align with the ITU’s International Mobile Telecommunications 2030 framework. additionally, China plans to commence research on 6G technology standards in June 2025, with the technical research phase expected to conclude by 2027, and the first version of the 6G standard anticipated to be finalized by March 2029. The commercial launch of 6G in China is expected to begin from 2030. ([govt.chinadaily.com.cn](https://govt.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202307/21/WS64db2c50498ea274927c8b87/china-to-lead-ongoing-innovation-in-6g.html?utm_source=openai))

How is China preparing for 6G commercialization?

China is actively preparing for 6G commercialization by investing in research and development, establishing international standards, and fostering collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations. The country has allocated the 6GHz spectrum for 5G and 6G systems, providing a solid foundation for future deployments. ([govt.chinadaily.com.cn](https://govt.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202307/21/WS64db2c50498ea274927c8b87/china-to-lead-ongoing-innovation-in-6g.html?utm_source=openai))

What are other countries doing in the 6G race?

Other nations are also making significant strides in 6G development. The United States has opened the “terahertz wave” spectrum (95 GHz to 3 THz) for experimental use, allowing engineers to begin unveiling the next generation of wireless technology. This initiative positions the U.S. to regain leadership in wireless technology, especially amid ongoing tech competitions. ([govt.chinadaily.com.cn](https://govt.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202307/21/WS64db2c50498ea274927c8b87/china-to-lead-ongoing-innovation-in-6g.html?utm_source=openai))

What is the expected timeline for 6G commercialization globally?

Globally, 6G commercialization is expected to begin around 2030.The International Telecommunication Union’s 6G vision anticipates that the global telecom industry will verify 6G innovations in the next 3-4 years, with the first version of the 6G standard anticipated to be finalized by March 2029. ([govt.chinadaily.com.cn](https://govt.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202307/21/WS64db2c50498ea274927c8b87/china-to-lead-ongoing-innovation-in-6g.html?utm_source=openai))