At the 6G Conference held in Istanbul on September 24, 2024, Dr. Wen Tong, Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Wireless, delivered a keynote speech on 6G standardization and the innovations it promises to bring. As the world prepares for the next leap in mobile technology, Dr. Tong highlighted the critical distinction between 5G and 6G, emphasizing that 6G will not simply be an upgrade of 5G, but a profound technological revolution that will transform industries and bring new value to users worldwide.
With the release of the ITU-R 6G vision framework and 6G standardization set to begin under 3GPP in 2025, the global telecommunications industry is on the cusp of a new era. Dr. Tong described 6G as a true intergenerational technological disruption, far exceeding the capabilities of 5G, and stressed that 6G technologies must be designed to address the needs and scenarios forecasted for 2030 to 2040.
6G: Beyond 5G’s Architecture and Capabilities
Dr. Tong underscored that 6G must go beyond the service-based architecture (SBA) of 5G and shift towards an application-driven network. He cautioned that merely reusing the current 5G core network infrastructure will limit the potential of 6G, especially when it comes to incorporating new breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. To truly unleash the potential of AI, 6G networks must adopt new architectures, using Agentic-AI to support AI-native functionalities such as intelligent sensing, decision-making, and seamless non-terrestrial networking (NTN) integration.
"6G must have cross-generational characteristics and technical breakpoints to fully unleash its potential. Without such innovations, the aspirations for 6G will be restricted, and the mobile industry’s imagination for the future will be stifled," Dr. Tong explained.
Pioneering 6G Terminal Evolution
In addition to network architecture, Dr. Tong highlighted the importance of 6G user devices and terminals as key drivers of innovation for the entire industry. He pointed out that 6G devices must go beyond the capabilities of smartphones, evolving into AI-powered terminals capable of meeting both consumer and industrial demands for advanced connectivity and intelligence. The transition to "Full-AI" devices will not only drive the adoption of 6G networks but will also push forward the entire mobile ecosystem, ensuring that 6G leads to greater success for all stakeholders.
"Breakthroughs in terminal technologies will be the key to driving innovation in the mobile industry during the 6G era," Dr. Tong stated. "This evolution is essential for shaping a new digital economy and meeting the future needs of both consumers and industries."
AI as the Core of 6G
A central theme of Dr. Tong’s presentation was the role of artificial intelligence as a key enabler for 6G. He noted that while 5G embraced the Internet as a transformative force, 6G must embrace AI in its most advanced forms, including Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Embodiment-AI. According to Dr. Tong, AGI will be a defining element of 6G networks, integrated throughout the processes of sensing, reasoning, decision-making, and action across all network layers—terminals, wireless infrastructure, and core networks alike.
This new paradigm will allow 6G networks to dynamically adapt to a wide range of applications, providing greater intelligence, faster decision-making, and enhanced interactivity for both users and machines.
The Relationship Between 5G and 6G
While 6G represents a bold leap forward, Dr. Tong was careful to emphasize the ongoing importance of 5G-Advanced as a bridge to the future. With 5G networks continuing to evolve and 5G-Advanced technology addressing current market demands, 6G will not overlap or replace 5G but will instead complement it.
"6G technologies must be distinct from 5G and based on the scenarios and requirements projected for 2030 to 2040," Dr. Tong remarked. "We should focus on genuine technological disruption that embraces the AI revolution and expands the mobile industry in unprecedented ways."
The Future of 6G: Innovation, AI, and Global Impact
Dr. Tong’s keynote at the 6G Conference provided a comprehensive overview of the transformative potential of 6G, positioning it as a game-changer for the global telecommunications industry. With a focus on AI-driven innovation, next-gen network architecture, and breakthroughs in terminal design, 6G is poised to deliver unparalleled capabilities for both consumers and industries, expanding the scope of mobile technology far beyond what is possible today.
The conference served as a platform for global industry leaders to share insights into the future of 6G, underscoring the critical role that innovation and collaboration will play in shaping the next generation of mobile networks.