Wireless 6G sets an incredible speed record, makes 5G feel like dial-up

Most people in the US who have flagship phones with mainstream carriers are on 5G networks. And while 5G tech is noticeably faster than its predecessors, it’s still weak compared to Wi-Fi and fiber internet.

That’s why we’re already looking forward to 6G, the next-gen wireless data standard that just set an incredible speed record.

According to NewScientist, a recent test conducted by researchers at University College London showed that 6G wireless can transmit data at speeds up to 938 gigabits per second (Gbps).

6G speeds compared to 5G speeds

The theoretical max download speed of 5G wireless is 20 Gbps. That means 6G is theoretically faster by more than 45 times.

But the median 5G download speed across all mobile carriers around the world is around 70 megabits per second (Mbps), according to Speedcheck’s 5G Index. If 6G can practically deliver day-to-day speeds anywhere near its theoretical max, that would make 6G up to 13,400 times faster than average 5G.

At 938Gbps, you could download around 20 entire movies per second. That would be absolutely insane to have carrying around in your pocket. (And you’d likely hit your data cap in less than a day.)

Related: Data caps suck. Here’s how you can help get rid of them

But it’s good to keep your expectations in check. 6G will certainly be much faster than 5G, but it’s unlikely to deliver actual speeds of 938Gbps once you factor in congestion, tower distance, interference, etc.

How is 6G wireless so fast?

To achieve such incredible speeds, the scientists working on 6G have incorporated a few tricks. But as the research report shows, the main factor was utilizing a much higher frequency range up to 150GHz.

Normally, devices such as smartphones can only send and receive transmissions in the range between 5GHz and 39GHz. But the researchers made it possible by mixing different signal types, such as lasers and radio waves. The transmission was stable and able to bridge the small gaps between wavebands.

When will 6G wireless get here?

It will probably be some time before we can actually use 6G. Even though many tests already show promising results, a market launch is currently expected in 2030 at the earliest. (This is mainly due to the need for carriers to expand their networks and develop suitable towers.)

There are also a few problems that 6G still has to overcome. Early versions of 6G had a shorter range than 5G transmissions, with the most recent record being 1,640 feet (500 meters). If that holds, 6G would only be practical in densely populated urban areas.

In addition, any new technology involving radiation must ensure that it cannot have an impact on human health.