In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Konstantinos Pentikousis, Senior Manager for Mobile Networks and 5G Campus Networks at Detecon, dissected the current and future trajectory of 6G and commented on its developmental phase.
What is the current status of research and development (R&D) in 6G technology and applications, particularly regarding spectrum management and frequency allocation for 6G?
Research and development for 6G is progressing steadily around the world, with applications such as immersive communications in mind. This has highlighted the need for new spectrum allocations. Studies indicate that frequency bands such as cm-wave and sub-terahertz (THz) are promising candidates for 6G and could effectively support Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complement their 5G offerings in the sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies.
Standardization processes are already underway (such as 3GPP and ITU-R). We expect initial deployments, proof of concepts (PoC) and trials to begin by 2027. National regulators are expected to confirm the necessary frequencies by 2029, paving the way for a global rollout by the end of the decade. This rollout is likely to coincide with major global events such as the 2028 Olympic Games, which will serve as a showcase for 6G technology.
How will 6G differ from 5G or 5G-Advanced connectivity, and which economic sectors will benefit the most from 6G?
6G will build upon the foundations of 5G and 5G-Advanced by driving further network densification. This will ensure that gigabit throughput and millisecond latency are consistent experiences rather than peak performance indicators. The goal is for these capabilities to be standardized across all user interactions.
From a technological standpoint, 6G will leverage 5G standalone (SA) core network functionality, allowing network functions and APIs to proliferate, thus, enabling performance at scale and supporting disaggregation. MNOs will also benefit from expanded digitalization solutions, which will allow them to increase their share of the overall value chain.
Indoor coverage will become a crucial enabler, especially in enterprise applications and selected business-to-consumer (B2C) segments. The importance of providing gigabit indoor coverage in new buildings, production facilities, and public venues such as stadiums and malls will scale significantly in 6G, where coverage will be considered as essential as utilities like electricity and water.
What are the key technological advances that will drive the introduction of 6G?
At this stage of 5G adoption, it is important to take claims about future technological advances with a pinch of salt, as the overall picture remains speculative. One potential area of development is integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), which utilizes radio signals for precise positioning. This promises much greater accuracy than current GPS solutions, especially indoors, but requires sufficient network densification and coverage to work effectively.
Another important focus in the telecoms industry is radio access network (RAN) disaggregation. RAN disaggregation offers the opportunity to diversify providers, reduce equipment costs and increase the flexibility of network management, which will be crucial for the evolution towards 6G.
Exploding B2C demand and the growing need for indoor coverage in enterprises are expected to play a crucial role in the development of 6G. Logistics, healthcare and smart manufacturing are likely to benefit from 6G's enhanced capabilities, such as improved connectivity and uplink throughput, automated processes and vertical-specific innovations.
How can network operators prepare for and capitalize on the opportunities 6G will bring in terms of new business models and revenue streams? How is Detecon addressing these challenges?
The economic viability of 6G and its ability to meet environmental and sustainability goals will be critical for MNOs. The 5G rollout is considerably more expensive than initially expected. The costs of operating 5G networks are also higher than those of 4G networks and we should avoid a similar scenario with 6G, where the costs do not align with the expected ROI (return on investment). Environmental and sustainability goals in line with the evolving ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria will also play an increasingly important role in the decision-making process. Energy consumption is not just a short-term concern due to the current energy crisis; it’s a key component of long-term sustainability strategies.
A major challenge for operators is to move beyond the traditional B2C market, which is large in volume but low in margin. While EUR 100 million in campus network revenues may seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the billions generated by standard B2C services. However, operators have long recognized the need to diversify their revenue streams. The explosion of B2C demand through Extended Reality (XR) applications offers opportunities, but the key to long-term growth lies in tapping into new sectors with higher margins and customer retention, such as enterprise networks. A critical area of focus is to ensure that MNOs capitalize on vertical market needs such as logistics and telehealth, as well as high-value indoor coverage. Meeting these vertical needs requires flexible, automated and software-driven solutions.
Detecon helps align MNOs’ strategies with upcoming 6G developments, providing guidance on how to bridge the current 5G rollout with future 6G deployments. This includes helping MNOs optimize and refit their networks, implement vendor replacement strategies, and build a flexible foundation that supports both current and future demands. This "5G bridge to 6G" approach is essential, ensuring that investments made today can be leveraged as 6G technologies are introduced, preventing unnecessary hardware replacements in the future.
We also assist our clients in assessing macro and geostrategic trends to build sustainable and trustworthy 6G networks that address operational priorities like energy efficiency, while also meeting long-term environmental and sustainability goals. By taking a holistic, end-to-end approach, Detecon ensures that MNOs are well-prepared for the next generation of connectivity, both in terms of technology and business models.
How will 6G expand inclusivity and connect underserved populations globally?
6G, in combination with non-terrestrial networks (NTN), provides a unique platform for extending mobile coverage to underserved areas around the world, enabling high data throughput even in remote locations. The integration of new frequencies with NTN will improve global connectivity and is an important prerequisite for achieving various United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). European initiatives such as Hexa-X-II are advancing SDG targets by developing 6G systems that explicitly outline how their system designs will contribute to achieving these goals. This is an important aspect of 6G development.
In addition, 6G will address the problem of white spots both in countries like Germany, and also in truly underserved regions around the world. Through a combination of satellites, new frequencies and innovative system designs, 6G will be able to provide mobile coverage in areas ranging from the Australian outback to densely populated urban centers such as Manila. Thanks to this broad spectrum, it will be possible to provide high-speed connectivity almost everywhere.
Alongside improved connectivity, 6G is expected to enable large-scale immersive telepresence by 2035 and beyond. This could be transformative for several underserved groups, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and communities in developing regions, by providing new opportunities for participation and access to digital services.
The potential of immersive telepresence in education, health and family—where, for example, grandparents could interact virtually with their grandchildren in a much more lifelike way—facilitates new ways of bridging the digital divide. While challenges remain, particularly in regions without basic infrastructure, the promise of 6G offers significant potential, and is capable of closing these gaps and creating more inclusive global connectivity.
Read More: Detecon: Digitalization and 5G Bring New Opportunities for Telcos
