What's happened
As the UK prepares for 6G technology, experts warn that significant upgrades to infrastructure are necessary. Meanwhile, China has established key 6G standards, enhancing its position in the global telecommunications landscape. The UK government is investing in research to lead in this next generation of connectivity.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Nilima Marshall in The Independent, Eddie Ball highlighted the need for significant upgrades to the UK's infrastructure to support 6G, stating, "A major problem is power efficiency of radio systems needed to deliver future high data rates." Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reported that China has established three pivotal 6G standards, which are crucial for immersive and reliable communications. Cui Kai from IDC noted that these standards will benefit services requiring high bandwidth and low latency. Additionally, Sky News reported on the challenges faced by BT's CEO Marc Allera regarding planning rules that hinder 5G rollout, emphasizing the need for reform to accelerate digital infrastructure development.
How we got here
The UK began rolling out 5G in 2019, but experts like Eddie Ball from the University of Sheffield emphasize that the current infrastructure is inadequate for 6G. Meanwhile, China has made strides in setting international standards for 6G technology.
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