[Summary of Key Information]

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has authorized the IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group to utilize trial frequencies in the 6GHz band for 6G, paving the way for 6G technology trials in specific regions.

Xu Hao, Head of Research and Development at Qualcomm China and a Fellow of the IEEE, posits that the 6GHz band offers an optimal equilibrium between coverage capabilities and bandwidth resources.

An ITU report has systematically outlined a series of performance indicators for air interface technologies, shedding light on pivotal technology directions for 6G R&D, such as enhanced massive MIMO and integrated sensing and communication>.

Currently, 6G remains in the research and standardization phase, with the industry generally anticipating its commercialization around 2030.

Earlier this month, the MIIT granted permission to the IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group to conduct 6G technology trials using trial frequencies in the 6GHz band in selected regions. These trials will concentrate on R&D and testing verification for 6G typical scenarios and key performance indicators as defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

As the next-generation mobile communication technology, 6G must progress through various stages, including foundational R&D, technology verification, and commercial deployment. The authorization of trial frequencies for 6G technology will facilitate collaborative efforts among all industry stakeholders to expedite the development of 6G.

What Are the Advantages of 6G Trial Frequencies?

During this year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day events, Dr. Xu Hao, Head of R&D at Qualcomm China and an IEEE Fellow, delivered a speech on 6G trial frequencies, expressing optimism that this band could emerge as a globally unified 6G frequency band.

Xu Hao elucidated that, in comparison to higher frequency bands, the 6GHz band strikes a superior balance between network coverage capabilities and bandwidth resources.

Xu Hao highlighted that while the industry strives to enhance network speed and performance, it is equally committed to reducing deployment costs and improving coverage capabilities. By deploying more antennas in this band, coverage effects comparable to those of the 3.5GHz or lower frequency bands can be achieved, aligning with the principles of multi-antenna technology.

What Are the Key Technologies for 6G?

At this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), Qualcomm showcased an end-to-end 6G prototype system. This prototype demonstrated cutting-edge technologies such as ultra-large-scale MIMO, probabilistic shaping, and subband full-duplex, further boosting spectral efficiency and delivering higher uplink and downlink throughput.

For instance, ultra-large-scale MIMO incorporates more antenna elements than in the 5G era, featuring additional transmit and receive channels to support higher throughput.

During his speech, Dr. Xu Hao also introduced subband full-duplex technology, describing it as a full-duplex technology based on spectrum separation. This technology significantly enhances spectral efficiency, reduces latency, and provides robust technical support for sensing capabilities at the base station. He believes that 6G sensing capabilities are also a direction worthy of significant attention.

Why Is 'Integrated Sensing and Communication' Emerging as a Key Research Direction for 6G?

In February of this year, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released the 'IMT-2030 Air Interface Technology Performance Indicators Report,' systematically defining 20 categories of air interface technology performance indicators.

From an R&D standpoint, these indicators clarify the core technology directions for 6G, including enhanced massive MIMO and integrated sensing and communication, among others. These technologies have officially transitioned from 'cutting-edge exploration areas' to 'essential research tracks.'

For example, in the realm of integrated sensing and communication, Qualcomm is leveraging 6G air interface characteristics to drive the implementation of this technology while continuously advancing 3GPP standardization efforts.

What Experiments or Demonstrations Has Qualcomm Conducted in 6G Communication and Sensing?

In his speech, Dr. Xu Hao also shared details of experiments conducted by Qualcomm, including acquiring information about the surrounding environment through sensing technologies and utilizing this information for AI model training.

Additionally, Qualcomm has showcased wide-area aerial drone sensing, a demonstration that has been shared with numerous Chinese manufacturers. Some Chinese companies have also conducted similar drone tests based on single or multiple base stations.

Xu Hao stated that by harnessing techniques like integrated sensing to create highly precise digital twin environments, it is feasible to design superior and more energy-efficient 6G systems, as well as enhance AI training and applications. The experiments conducted by Qualcomm can be utilized to validate these concepts and design philosophies.

What Stage Has the Standardization of 6G Reached?

It is clear that the development of 6G is not an overnight endeavor but rather a continuous journey of exploration and advancement.

3GPP has initiated research on 6G technology, with the first standard version anticipated to be released as part of Release 21. According to 3GPP's schedule, the Release 21 timeline is expected to be finalized by June this year. The industry generally predicts that 6G will achieve commercialization around 2030.

With the collective efforts of all industry stakeholders, 6G is poised to accelerate its deployment and make even more significant contributions to people's lives and economic and social development.