When Will 6G Come Out? And Which Country Will Start First?

When Will 6G Come Out? And Who Will Start First?

The world is still rolling out 5G networks, but discussions and research into the sixth generation of mobile technology—6G— have already begun. As digital innovation accelerates, nations and tech companies are racing to develop the next big leap in communication technology. The promise of 6G is not just faster internet—it’s a complete transformation in how humans, devices, and machines interact.

In this article, we’ll explore when 6G is expected to arrive, which country might launch it first, and how this technology could reshape industries, economies, and everyday life.

What Is 6G Technology?

6G stands for the sixth generation of wireless communication technology, following the progression from 1G (analog voice) to 5G (ultra-fast data and IoT). While 5G introduced high-speed internet, low latency, and massive device connectivity, 6G will take these capabilities to the next level—potentially 100 times faster than 5G.

Experts expect 6G to offer:

• Speeds exceeding 1 terabit per second (Tbps)

• Latency as low as 1 microsecond (almost real-time communication)

• AI-integrated network management

• Advanced holographic and immersive communication

• Seamless global connectivity through satellite networks

In short, 6G is not just a faster version of 5G—it’s an entirely new digital ecosystem.

When Will 6G Come Out?

The worldwide introduction of 6G technology is anticipated to take place around the year 2030. However, research and standardization efforts are already underway in several countries, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Finland, and the European Union.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)—two major organizations that set telecom standards—expect 6G to be standardized between 2028 and 2029, with commercial deployment likely starting around 2030 or shortly after.

6G Development Timeline:

• 2020–2023: Early research and conceptualization

• 2024–2026: Prototype development and testing

• 2027–2028: Global standardization begins

• 2029–2030: First commercial rollouts in select countries

So while 5G is still being deployed in developing regions, 6G is already taking shape behind the scenes.

Which Country Will Start 6G First?

The race for 6G leadership is already intense. Several nations are competing to be the first to deploy the technology, as early dominance can shape global telecommunications standards, attract investments, and drive national innovation.

Let’s explore in detail the leading competitors in the 6G race.

1. China: The Current Frontrunner

China is widely regarded as the leader in the 6G race. The country launched the world’s first experimental 6G satellite back in November 2020, marking a significant milestone. This satellite was designed to test terahertz wave communications, which could form the backbone of 6G networks.

Chinese telecom giants like Huawei, ZTE, and China Mobile are investing heavily in 6G research and infrastructure. According to reports, Huawei began 6G research as early as 2018. The Chinese government’s “Made in China 2025” and “Digital China” strategies have further accelerated R&D funding.

Key points about China’s 6G progress:

• First to test 6G satellite technology

• National 6G R&D initiatives led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

• Collaboration between academia, telecom operators, and government agencies

• Possible commercial launch around 2029–2030

China’s ambition is clear: to lead not just in 5G, but also in defining global 6G standards.

2. South Korea: Strong Research and Development Powerhouse

South Korea was among the first countries to roll out 5G commercially, and it’s now positioning itself to be a pioneer in 6G technology.

The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT has announced plans to launch 6G services by 2028, ahead of many competitors. Samsung and LG are at the forefront, investing billions into 6G development.

Key initiatives:

• Samsung announced its “Next Hyper-Connected Experience” vision for 6G in 2022.

• The country aims to achieve 1 Tbps transmission speed with latency under 0.1 milliseconds.

• South Korea plans to secure over 30% of global 6G patents by 2030.

With strong government backing and world-class infrastructure, South Korea could be the first to commercially launch 6G, possibly even before China.

3. Japan: The Visionary Innovator

Japan is also making major strides toward the 6G era. Companies like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and NEC are collaborating with the government to lead 6G development.

In 2021, Japan announced a $450 million fund to accelerate 6G research, focusing on ultra-fast connectivity, quantum encryption, and AI-driven networks.

Japan envisions a “Cyber-Physical Society” powered by 6G, where virtual and real worlds seamlessly merge through extended reality (XR), holograms, and intelligent automation.

Expected timeline:
Japan aims to launch pilot 6G networks around 2028–2029, with full-scale deployment in the early 2030s.

4. United States: Innovation through Collaboration

The United States may not have been the first to roll out 5G, but it’s catching up fast in 6G development. The U.S. government, academic institutions, and private sector leaders—such as AT&T, Verizon, Qualcomm, and Apple—are all participating in Next G Alliance, a 6G research initiative led by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).

In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened up terahertz frequency bands for 6G experimentation.

Key strengths of the U.S.:

• Deep innovation ecosystem (Silicon Valley, major universities)

• Access to global semiconductor and AI talent

• Private-sector driven innovation and funding

While the U.S. may not be first to deploy 6G, it’s likely to lead in setting global 6G standards and driving hardware/software innovation.

5. Finland and the European Union: The Academic Leaders

Europe is also a major player in the global 6G race, particularly Finland, home to Nokia, one of the world’s leading telecom infrastructure companies.

The 6G Flagship program at the University of Oulu (Finland) is a world-renowned research hub focused on 6G technologies, such as AI-native networking, edge intelligence, and massive digital twinning.

The European Union launched the Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II projects, involving Nokia, Ericsson, and Siemens, aiming to set the blueprint for future 6G architecture.

Expected timeline:
Europe expects pre-commercial testing by 2028 and rollout around 2030–2031.

What Will 6G Bring to the World?

6G will revolutionize communication far beyond mobile phones. Its capabilities will power an interconnected global network that integrates humans, devices, and artificial intelligence.

1. Holographic Communication

6G will enable real-time holographic video calls—imagine speaking to a 3D projection of someone as if they were in the same room.

2. Smart Cities and Autonomous Systems

From self-driving cars to automated factories and intelligent transportation, 6G will support massive data exchanges among billions of devices in real-time.

3. Healthcare Revolution

Remote surgeries, real-time health monitoring, and AI-assisted diagnostics will become more efficient and widespread thanks to ultra-low latency.

4. Extended Reality (XR)

6G will power the metaverse with seamless virtual and augmented reality experiences that are indistinguishable from the real world.

5. Global Internet Access

With the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, 6G could finally bring high-speed internet to every corner of the planet—even remote rural areas.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in 6G

Unlike previous generations, 6G networks will be AI-native, meaning artificial intelligence will be built into every layer of the system.

AI will help:

• Optimize data routing and bandwidth allocation in real-time

• Predict and fix network failures before they occur

• Manage billions of simultaneous device connections efficiently

This fusion of AI and 6G will enable intelligent, adaptive, and self-healing networks.

Challenges to 6G Development

While 6G’s potential is immense, several challenges remain before it can become a reality:

1. Spectrum allocation: Higher frequencies (terahertz bands) are hard to harness and require new materials and antenna technologies.

2. Infrastructure cost: Upgrading global telecom infrastructure for 6G will require trillions of dollars in investment.

3. Security concerns: With hyper-connectivity comes increased risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

4. Environmental impact: The energy demand of 6G networks must be balanced with sustainability goals.

5. Global standardization: Achieving a unified 6G standard will require close international cooperation between governments, tech companies, and research institutions.

Who Will Win the 6G Race?

Predicting the “winner” of the 6G race isn’t easy, as each region brings unique strengths:

• China leads in infrastructure and government coordination.

• South Korea leads in speed of innovation and early rollout potential.

• Japan leads in futuristic vision and R&D funding.

• The U.S. leads in AI, software, and semiconductor technology.

• Europe (especially Finland) leads in academic research and telecom engineering.

However, experts believe China and South Korea are currently best positioned to launch 6G first, possibly around 2028–2029.

6G is not a distant dream—it’s the next big step in human connectivity. With expected speeds of 1 Tbps, AI-powered intelligence, and holographic communication, it promises to redefine how we live, work, and interact.

While China and South Korea are leading the charge, other countries like Japan, the U.S., and Finland are also critical players in shaping this technology.

If 5G was about connecting devices, 6G will be about connecting intelligence—the real and digital worlds merging into one seamless network.

The world can expect the first 6G networks by 2028–2030, ushering in a new era of ultra-fast, intelligent, and immersive communication.