The world of telecommunications and digital technologies is rapidly changing, and this has a huge impact on how interconnected and interdependent our society has become. The development of telecommunication and digital technology standards is crucial in shaping the spectrum of opportunities and power within a society.
Standards might not be something we think about a lot, but they are important because they provide a common design for products and processes. This makes it easier for different technical products to work together and for different manufacturers to coordinate their efforts.
The next big thing in this space is 6G, which is expected to revolutionise data transmission and low latency. This will affect a wide range of sectors, from robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to space exploration and defence advancements.
However, the challenges associated with 6G are not just technological. There are significant economic and geopolitical implications, particularly in the ongoing tension between China and the US. Both countries are trying to concentrate more power using their technologies and standards, and this could worsen global economic disparities.
The development of telecommunication networks has seen different phases, with each culminating in a new “generation” such as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G. The transition to 5G is a big deal because it promises low latency and the ability for thousands of machines to communicate with each other. And now, the talk about 6G is starting to build up.
The standard for 6G is expected to come from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) by 2030. The standard-making process is quite complex and involves reaching a consensus among different stakeholders, such as service providers and manufacturers.
The development of 6G standards will have a big impact on the telecommunication industry, shaping innovation and structure. This will also affect competition and consumer welfare, as it determines the quality of interoperability and connectivity in the industry.
The tension between the US and China over standards has major economic, security, and political implications. India is also making its presence felt by aiming to foster domestic manufacturing growth and national security considerations with its 5Gi initiative, which is now being merged with global 5G standards.
The collaboration between India and the US on 6G technology at the G20 Summit 2023 is a significant step. Open RAN, a key focus of this collaboration, is intended to counter the leadership of China in 5G standardisation.
There are significant concerns about the national security risks involved in developing technological standards, especially in the wake of controversies involving Chinese technology companies. This has overshadowed the operational challenges and costs involved in standards development.
The global power play over 6G standards has seen China taking a state-subsidised approach to its development. In contrast, the US is trying to bring its allies and partners together to take a more coordinated approach.
All of this has major economic implications for industries and consumers around the world. The way forward lies in a balanced combination of technology, political arrangements, and a commitment to rule-based global orders.
As we gear up for the era of 6G, it’s clear that the choices made now will have a lasting impact on our future.
By Asheef Iqubbal, Senior Research Associate at CUTS International
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