China has taken a major leap in the global race for next-generation telecommunications by establishing three crucial 6G technological standards under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These new standards represent a significant step toward shaping the international framework for 6G, putting China at the forefront of the future of telecommunications.
Endorsed on July 26 during a plenary meeting of the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardisation Sector study group, these standards are designed to align with the International Mobile Telecommunications 2030 framework. The focus is on improving immersive communication, ultra-reliable low-latency connections, and the seamless integration of artificial intelligence. These advancements will pave the way for new services requiring high bandwidth, reliability, and minimal latency, making them a cornerstone of the future global telecommunications landscape.
Enhancing Immersive and AI-Powered Communications
The new standards are expected to revolutionise not just immersive technologies like virtual reality, but also AI-driven services. According to Cui Kai, associate research director at IDC, these advancements extend beyond entertainment. “Any service requiring high reliability, low latency, and fast processing will benefit from these architectures and modules,” Cui said, emphasising the broad application of these improvements.
Hu Honglin, a leading researcher from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI), played an instrumental role in shaping these developments. With over 20 years of experience in communication technology, Hu’s work, along with China Telecom’s support, has helped position China as a leader in 6G research and innovation. The implementation of these standards is expected to boost SARI’s international standing in information-centric networking.
The Global 6G Race: Diverging Approaches
Despite China’s aggressive push, the global 6G race remains divided. East Asian operators, including China Mobile, Japan’s Docomo, and Korea’s SKT, are actively advancing 6G development, while their counterparts in Europe and the U.S. focus on further refining 5G networks. This divergence in priorities may shape the future of telecommunications, with China’s early engagement in 6G standards likely to give it a significant competitive advantage in the global marketplace.