5G isn't even available yet, but they're already worrying about 6G.

6G networks are the next generation of connectivity after 5G, and experts predict that their launch will create a boom and bring about a completely new type of internet, bringing people closer to the digital and virtual world . Currently, many countries such as the US, South Korea, China, Japan, Finland, etc., are researching and preparing to deploy 6G network technology. Vietnam is also getting ready.

The 5G bottleneck lies with the network operators.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has designated 2024 as the year for the nationwide commercialization of 5G. To achieve this goal, the Ministry has auctioned off frequencies in two bands, B1 (2500-2600 MHz) and C2 (3700-3800 MHz), in March 2024. Viettel, VinaPhone (VNPT), and MobiFone have participated in the bidding process for these frequencies to deploy 5G technology after a long period of preparation and testing.

However, with only a little over three months left in 2024, mobile operators have yet to commercialize 5G. For example, Viettel has conducted 5G trials in 61 provinces and cities; in July 2023, it launched its 5G PNM mobile network for smart factories in Vietnam. But Viettel has yet to take any further action regarding 5G commercialization. In mid-2024, MobiFone also announced a plan to deploy 1,000 new 5G base stations and upgrade its core network for transmission and readiness for 5G technology business. MobiFone outlined a plan to develop a digital solutions and services ecosystem based on 5G, aiming for high-speed data services… Yet, MobiFone's network currently only has 4G coverage!

Similar to the two aforementioned network operators, after successfully bidding for the frequency usage rights for the 3700-3800 MHz (C2) band in March 2024, VinaPhone announced its 5G deployment plan, prioritizing the development of 5G network infrastructure to enhance user experience; focusing on deploying 5G in areas requiring high interaction and real-time network communication; in high-tech zones, urban areas, universities, etc. However, the specific timeframe for commercializing 5G has not yet been given.

VinaPhone has deployed 5G base stations in many provinces and cities.

Previously, the Prime Minister approved the Vietnam Information and Communication Infrastructure Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, in Decision No. 36/QD-TTg dated January 11, 2024. The plan sets a target of a minimum average download speed of 100 Mbps for 5G networks by 2025. By 2030, 5G coverage is expected to reach 99% of the population, aiming for the development of next-generation advanced mobile networks. To realize these goals, 2024 was considered the opportune time to license commercial 5G frequency bands, a process that the Ministry of Information and Communications has been carrying out quickly. The remaining obstacle to 5G commercialization is still the network operators.

Startling preparations for 6G.

While 5G networks are not yet fully operational, planning for 6G is inevitable. According to experts, each new generation of networks is typically deployed every 10 years, and 6G is predicted to be commercially available by 2030. Some forecasts hope for the completion of 6G standards and commercialization as early as 2028, with mass commercialization expected by 2030.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has established a 14-member team to develop, evaluate, and test 6G equipment. Besides researching and reviewing the legal framework to promote equipment development; evaluating, testing, and conducting trials; and researching, reviewing, and proposing regulations on 6G equipment management, the team also studies typical international experiences regarding strategic orientations for 6G equipment development, evaluates, tests, and proposes implementation in Vietnam.

Previously, the Ministry of Information and Communications established a Steering Committee to promote research and development of 6G mobile information technology. This committee focuses on researching and proposing to competent authorities policies, strategies, mechanisms, and legal frameworks to promote research and development of standards, applications, information security, production, and commercialization of 6G mobile information equipment and services in Vietnam.

Recently, at a meeting with relevant agencies and network operators to discuss 6G research, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Pham Duc Long stated that there are currently five 5G equipment manufacturers worldwide, many global powers are beginning research on 6G, and Vietnam aims to keep pace with the world in 6G, specifically through joint research, production, and deployment. “Vietnam will research and contribute to the world’s 6G standards. The Ministry of Information and Communications and businesses will participate in research and promote the development of this technology. The State will invest in laboratories for businesses to research and produce, because without laboratories, 6G research will be difficult. In addition to domestic cooperation with experts, universities, and research institutes on 6G, Vietnam will invite foreign experts to conduct research on 6G,” Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long emphasized.

According to experts, while 5G network speeds reach 20 Gbps, 6G networks aim for speeds hundreds to thousands of times faster, such as Tegabits (Tbps). In addition to ensuring connectivity with a large number of devices such as computers, sensors, and all kinds of physical equipment, 6G networks also ensure the integration of four crucial components—data, people, processes, and physical devices—into a unified whole.

KIM THANH

BA TAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chua-thong-5g-da-lo-6g-post757248.html