Australia has recently signed an agreement with several countries, including the United States and the UK, for the implementation of 6G mobile data technology. While the technology is not expected to be available until 2030, this agreement marks a significant step towards its development and deployment.
Currently, Australia’s 5G network covers only a small portion of the continent, with Telstra claiming to have the largest network, covering 85 percent of the population. Despite this limited coverage, Australians have been quick to adopt 5G technology, with a smartphone penetration rate of 82 percent in the first quarter of last year. This high adoption rate surpasses that of countries like France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, where 5G handset penetration ranged between 20 and 30 percent.
Interestingly, Australia’s internet speeds are relatively mid-range compared to other countries. According to Speedtest.net, download speeds in Sydney and Melbourne averaged around 242.98 Mbps and 249.99 Mbps, respectively. In comparison, cities like Delhi, Shanghai, and Seoul boasted much higher speeds. Nevertheless, Australia’s progress in 5G technology remains advanced.
The introduction of 6G technology is still more of a concept than a reality, but experts predict that it will have a peak data rate of 1 terabyte per second for data transmitted in short bursts across limited distances. The multi-country agreement emphasizes shared principles for the research and development of 6G wireless communication systems, aiming to create open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, resilient, and secure connectivity.
Ericsson, a leading mobile developer, envisions 6G as the foundation for “omnipresent wireless intelligence,” where the digital and physical worlds merge seamlessly. It describes future networks as fundamental components for all aspects of life and society, with countless sensors embedded in the physical world to provide real-time data updates to the digital realm.
In addition to advancing connectivity, the countries involved in the agreement also recognize the importance of protecting national security, ensuring reliability, resilience, safety, and individual privacy. Artificial intelligence will also be a key focus in the development of 6G technology.
However, concerns regarding the health effects of wireless technology persist. The rollout of 5G has raised concerns in various sectors, including medicine. While there is no evidence linking 5G to COVID-19, epidemiologist Professor John William Frank suggests a precautionary approach that includes a moratorium on further 5G rollouts until more conclusive research on its safety is available.
Similarly, an article in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care highlights the advantages of 5G technology in medicine but calls for studies on the nonthermal effects of higher frequencies. With 6G networks expected to use even higher frequencies than 5G, it becomes crucial to address potential health concerns through thorough research.
The development and implementation of 6G technology are still years away, with lab testing and pilots expected to begin in 2028 and commercial release anticipated around 2030. However, Beijing has already launched a 6G test satellite, indicating the early stages of research and development.
As Australia signs this agreement with several countries, it joins a global effort to push the boundaries of wireless communication. While the long-term effects of exposure to radio waves and the potential health risks associated with these technologies require continued scrutiny, the promise of seamless connectivity and advanced capabilities offered by 6G technology is undeniably exciting.
