May 12, 2025, 8:39 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The sixth generation of mobile networks, or 6G, represents a technological leap forward. With data rates in the terabit range, extremely low latency, and the integration of artificial intelligence, 6G is expected to enable applications such as holographic communication, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent medical systems.
Germany is still working on expanding 5G to make the fast mobile standard available nationwide. However, 6G, its successor, is already on the horizon. The abbreviation stands for the sixth generation of mobile technology and is expected to be available around 2030. Compared to 5G, 6G will offer significantly higher data rates—over 100 times faster—enable extremely low latency, and aim for nearly seamless network coverage. TECHBOOK reveals what you should know about 6G now.
Overview
What Makes 6G So Special?
6G stands out in several ways from its predecessors—especially 5G—and is expected to be not only faster but also smarter and more comprehensively networked.
A key feature is the extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) in both the construction and operation of networks. AI systems are expected to automatically manage how radio resources are distributed, adjust antenna signals in real time, and continuously improve the network. It will be capable of learning and self-repairing.
Additionally, 6G uses new frequency ranges in the so-called terahertz range, well above 100 gigahertz. Optical wireless technologies are also employed, both enabling even faster data transmissions.
Another major advancement: 6G will not only transmit data but also integrate sensor information. This means that things like location data or environmental measurements can be transmitted in real time. This creates digital replicas—so-called twins—of machines, vehicles, or even entire factories. This technology is particularly useful for industrial plants, telemedicine, or autonomous traffic.
By combining communication, sensing, data processing, and AI, the next mobile technology becomes a key technology for many areas of life in the future, as described by the Digital Association Bitkom.
International Developments and Challenges
Countries worldwide, such as China, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., are working intensively on developing 6G. In Europe, twelve major telecommunications companies, including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Orange, are urging the EU to release the entire upper 6 GHz band for mobile networks. They warn, according to “O2 Business,” that Europe could fall behind in the global competition for 6G without this measure. While the U.S. and China are already using corresponding frequency ranges for 6G, a decision in Europe is still pending.
Germany’s Role in 6G Development
Germany is investing significantly in research. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding several research hubs with a total of 700 million euros. Funded projects include the Open6GHub, 6GEM, 6G-RIC, and 6G-life, which are working on developing energy-efficient, secure, and high-performance communication systems. A focus is on integrating artificial intelligence to optimize networks and develop new applications in areas such as Industry 4.0, mobility, and healthcare.
Professor Hans Schotten, coordinator of the Open6GHub, emphasizes in an interview with “Welt” the importance of comprehensive network coverage: “6G must not be a mobile network only for city dwellers; we must definitely avoid that. We have the explicit goal that 6G is a mobile network for everyone, anytime, and everywhere.” The challenge lies in making 6G comprehensively available in rural areas as well.
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When Will 6G Arrive in Europe?
The introduction of 6G in Europe is expected around 2030. By then, ongoing research projects should establish the technological foundations and help shape international standards. Germany and Europe have the opportunity to take a leading role in the next mobile era through strong collaboration and early research.