The US and its allies have agreed on 6G principles to ensure a uniform path for research, development, and application of the next-generation cellular communication standard as China builds momentum. The other key goal of this mutual agreement is for the standardization of 6G which could potentially undermine China’s growing stakes.
Through this cooperation, countries will support “open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, resilient, and secure connectivity … and believe that it makes it more “inclusive, sustainable, secure, and peaceful future for all,” the joint statement reads.
The US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic, and Sweden reached an agreement on the core values of 6G. Agreed by many states and gear vendors that the network will be commercially rolled out around 2030, China looks poised to lead the next-gen technology.
The Asian giant not only has achieved record speed in 6G but has also launched a satellite for 6G connectivity. The country has made continuous strides in 6G R&D. The US and Co seemingly want to stamp their own stake in the matter as well. The “allies” have already put sanctions on Chinese tech firms such as Huawei over 5G and seems it’s likely that the same will be the case with its successor 6G.
The US and allies sign up for global 6G principles
Together, the countries seek to address the pressing challenges in 6G R&D. Here are the core six principles the US and its allies have agreed upon:
- About National Security: Together, the countries agree to ensure that 6G will be a “trusted technology” and pose no harm at all to the national security of any other nation. All agree that 6G is to be supported by secure and resilient technology and should facilitate the “ability of participating governments and partners to protect national security.”
- Secure and protected: It is also agreed that 6G in essence should be secure and protective of privacy. Organizations that develop 6G should have “systematic approaches” to cybersecurity with technical standards, interfaces, and specifications. Likewise, the network should be able to withstand the complexity of its own and larger cyberattacks.
- Global standard: 6G will be developed on the shared technical standards. The network should have its specifications determined through open and transparent decision-making between the countries.
- Open and interoperable innovation: The 6G standards that respect the Global Industry-led and Inclusive Standard Setting & International Collaborations will and should unlock global collaboration. Likewise, 6G will have interoperability so that it would be compatible across products from different global suppliers of both software and hardware. The uniformity will make it easier for all to research and develop 6G, 6G products and solutions over the years.
- Affordability and sustainability: 6G should be affordable enough that it would be leveraged for higher social benefit and sustainability. The network should be made energy-efficient and environment-friendly. 6G should be a key vehicle to bridge the digital divide and should have reliable coverage and maintain consistent quality. Likewise, 6G shall play a crucial role in the digital transformation and be “widely available and accessible to developing nations.” The allies also agree that 6G technologies use non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS).
- Spectrum: 6G should be enabled by resilient supply chains and promote a globally competitive market. It is agreed that 6G makes use of new spectrum as well as those already allocated.
The US and Co have called on third countries to join the alliance and be on the same page for 6G R&D into the future. The US already has strategic partnerships with other states including Japan for an unnamed 6G tech. The recent multilateral cooperation further solidifies its plan for the next revolutionary cellular communication standard.