In a groundbreaking achievement, China has successfully sent a 6G laser transmission from a satellite to Earth, marking a significant milestone in the development of next-generation mobile internet technology.
This experiment was conducted recently, with 6G technology still in its early stages globally, and 5G not yet fully available in many countries. China had launched the world’s first 6G satellite into orbit in November 2020. Now, five years later, it has sent 6G satellite transmission to Earth, setting a new record.
China’s aerospace company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology, announced that it transmitted data at an impressive 100 GB per second image transmission rate during the 6G test last week. This transmission speed is ten times faster than previous records.
The company’s Jilin-1 satellite network operates in Earth’s lower orbit, with one of these satellites facilitating the 6G transmission. According to Wang Henghong, head of the company’s laser communication division, at 100 GB per second transmission speed, you could download 10 full movies in just one second.
Wang also revealed that by 2025, laser communication technology will be incorporated into all 117 satellites of the Jilin-1 network.
China aims to be the first country to introduce 6G technology to the world. The fundamental difference between 5G and 6G lies in the electromagnetic spectrum frequency bands. While 5G signals typically operate between 6 GHz and 40 GHz, 6G will use signal bands ranging from 100 GHz to 300 GHz.
China’s Significant Progress in 6G Development
Since 6G technology will rely on more powerful frequency bands, new infrastructure will be necessary. In September 2024, China introduced three key 6G technology standards through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These standards are designed to improve the ITU’s 2030 framework scenario.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the approval of these standards occurred during a meeting of the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector Study Group 13 on July 26. Establishing these standards is crucial as they provide experts and companies with a competitive edge.
These new standards focus on various aspects of 6G technology, including content transmission, data updates, and system performance assessments. Additionally, in July 2024, Chinese telecom engineers made significant progress by installing the world’s first field test network for 6G technology, ensuring 6G transmission over 4G infrastructure.
This experimental network demonstrated a tenfold improvement in field network coverage, efficiency, and other areas. Developed by Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, this field network will provide scientists with the opportunity to conduct further research and explore various aspects of 6G technology.
