Introduction to the Future of Mobile Technology: The Quest for 6G and Beyond

The question of whether future generations of mobile technology, such as 6G, will be necessary as we move through the 5G era has sparked significant debate within the telecommunications industry. This article aims to explore the potential for continued advancements in mobile technology, examining the marketing, technical, and historical aspects that drive the pursuit of these next-generation standards.

The Ecosystem of LTE Standards and Generational Upgrades

5G is part of the ongoing evolution of cellular technology standards under the umbrella of 'Long Term Evolution' (LTE). Every few years, standards bodies set new profiles for LTE technologies and label them as new generations. Similarly, there are expectations for a 6G and 7G, although the timeframe and impact of these upgrades are subject to change.

Marketing Aspect: Vendors and telecommunications operators often need to promote the next generation of technology to continue driving sales and market competition. This creates a continuous cycle of marketing around new standards, regardless of the immediate necessity.

Towards a Potential “LastG”: A Plug-and-Play Evolution

Technical Perspective: From a technical standpoint, there could be a final technology, akin to a “LastG,” designed to be adaptable for future plug-and-play advancements. This idea is rooted in the vision of Professor Andy Sutton, who advocated for a more flexible and future-ready solution.

However, the challenge arises from the pressure to standardize new technologies quickly. Standards bodies like 3GPP may rush the process to meet market demands, potentially compromising the thoroughness and long-term viability of these solutions.

A Historical Perspective on G-Generations

Historical Aspect: The evolution of mobile technology follows a pattern where odd-numbered generations bring new types of services, while even-numbered generations provide more refined solutions for previously introduced services. Specifically, 1G introduced voice communication, 3G facilitated internet access, and 5G opened doors to vertical services. This suggests that 6G would likely target the deficiencies and limitations of 5G, particularly in vertical sectors.

Given this historical trend, it is plausible that 6G would focus on addressing the shortcomings of 5G and pushing further into the integration of advanced services and vertical markets.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

While it is evident that 6G and beyond offer significant marketing and technical potential, the practical necessity and long-term success of these advancements depend on careful planning and execution. The pursuit of future generations of mobile technology must balance the drive for innovation with the need for robust, adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of users and industries.

As we move through the post-5G era, the industry must continue to innovate while ensuring that each new standard not only meets current demands but also paves the way for a more flexible and sustainable future of mobile technology.

By: Marcin

PPS: This article reflects the personal opinion of the author.