Looking Beyond the 5G Horizon to the 6G Future

The new 5G networks are almost here, but some think it is not too early to think ahead to 6G.

1 minute read

September 28, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Connected cities

www.inkmedia.eu / Flickr

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission recently talked about the future of 6G at an event held by Politico. She said 6G networks will be a thousand times faster than 5G and connected to all the technology devices people use, reports Chris Teale.

With 5G networks just rolling out this year, Rosenworcel’s promotion of 6G may seem a little premature.“But it is something that she has encouraged industry leaders and governments to look toward, and has suggested that blockchain could help with dynamic spectrum sharing, another use for a developing technology that is rapidly becoming a useful tool for cities,” says Teale.

Rosenworcel added that the United States at one point had deployed half of the 4G in the world, which contributed to the rapid development of the app-based gig economy here. Teale says that China and South Korea have led 5G and so this push is important to get the United States to the forefront of 6G, even if it seems far off.

Monday, September 24, 2018 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

2 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

4 hours ago - Next City