What will 6G internet bring – lightning-fast connection, smart cities, and artificial intelligence in the network

Technological development never stops, and with it, the way our internet connection works also changes. While fifth-generation networks are still spreading, researchers are already working on their successor. 6G internet is set to be the next step in the evolution of mobile networks, offering connectivity that will surpass today's possibilities manifold.

Currently, it's a technology in the research phase, but early tests show that its potential is immense. The goal is to build a network capable of handling exponentially growing data volumes and serving billions of devices worldwide. Such a system could significantly transform industry, transportation, and everyday digital life.

In the article, we explain what 6G is, how it works, and how it differs from 5G. We will look into the speeds it promises and who's behind its development. You'll also learn about the challenges researchers face before 6G becomes a reality.

What is 6G and how does it work

6G internet represents the new generation of mobile networks, set to build on 5G while changing the very principle of wireless transmission. Current technologies focus mainly on larger bandwidth and more efficient signal transmission, while 6G will function as an intelligent system capable of adapting to its environment and managing itself.

The foundation will be 6G frequencies in the terahertz band, roughly from 100 gigahertz to 3 terahertz. Thanks to these, it will be possible to transmit enormous amounts of data in a fraction of a second. However, the shorter wavelength means less range and greater sensitivity to obstacles, requiring the construction of new infrastructure with a dense network of microcells, satellites, and antennas with precise signal direction.

The network will be closely integrated with artificial intelligence, which will ensure dynamic traffic management. In practice, this means the connection will continuously adapt to current conditions. If the number of connected devices increases in a particular area, the system will redistribute capacity to maintain stable speed and minimal delay.

Another aspect of development is the effort to enable the network to perceive its surroundings using integrated sensors. This capability will open the way to more precise positioning, object tracking, and new applications in industry, transportation, or healthcare.

How fast will the new generation of networks be

The expected speed of the 6G network is to be several times higher than the current 5G technologies. In laboratory tests, researchers have already achieved transmission of over 900 gigabits per second, and the first pilot measurements in the United Arab Emirates confirmed a value of 145 gigabits. In the future, a theoretical limit of up to 1 terabit per second is anticipated.

This performance will be enabled by 6G frequencies in the terahertz band. They significantly increase data capacity and multiplex transmission options, allowing the network to simultaneously process multiple signals in different frequency ranges. The result will be transmission with almost no delay, with latency in the microsecond range.

6G internet will enable the use of augmented and virtual reality in real-time, instant communication between autonomous vehicles, and the transmission of large volumes of data between industrial devices.

How will the 6G network manage itself

Unlike previous generations, the 6G network will no longer just transmit data. It will become an active network capable of deciding how to handle data, adapting to current conditions in real-time.

Key principles of the new architecture:

• Artificial intelligence – will manage traffic, optimize transmissions, and predict user needs before they occur.
• Local data processing – part of the computations will occur directly in edge devices, so data won't have to travel to distant data centers.
• Predictive capacity management – the network will be able to anticipate where overloading might occur and redistribute power among nodes in time.
• Efficient energy usage – 6G frequencies and smart transmission management will help reduce consumption and infrastructure costs.

Where will 6G be applied: smart cities, cars, and digital twins

In practice, 6G internet will manifest as the interconnection of smart systems, industry, and digital services. The sixth-generation network will offer such capacity, precision, and network speed that it will be able to transmit massive data volumes without delay, even in environments where millions of devices communicate simultaneously.

Specific use cases:

• Smart cities – interconnected sensors and transport systems will ensure smoother traffic, safer intersections, and more efficient energy management.
• Industry – factories will operate as interconnected ecosystems managed in real-time, where machines communicate via 6G frequencies without interruption.
• Autonomous vehicles – instant data exchange between cars and their surroundings will enable quicker reactions and safer operation.
• Healthcare – remote operations and data transfers from devices will happen with minimal latency, opening new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment.
• Digital twins – thanks to 6G, virtual copies of physical objects and entire systems will emerge, helping to test, simulate, and optimize processes.

This technology will expand the possibilities of digital communication and automation in ways previously unimaginable.

6G research and development – who's leading the race

Although 6G technology is still in the research phase, leading technological and academic institutions worldwide are already involved. The aim is to overcome the current data transmission limits and prepare infrastructure capable of serving billions of devices in real-time.

The United Arab Emirates and the first record

In October 2025, the United Arab Emirates conducted the first 6G pilot test in the Middle East. Companies e& UAE and New York University Abu Dhabi achieved a transfer speed of 145 gigabits per second. The test used 6G frequencies in the terahertz band and confirmed that the new generation of networks could handle transmission with minimal delay and extreme capacity.

Research in China and the 6G satellite

China also has a strong research base. Chinese scientists from the University of Electronic Science and Technology launched the first experimental 6G satellite named UESTC Star Era-12 into orbit. Its goal is to test wireless data transmission between satellites and ground stations. China is among the countries most focused on integrating space and ground infrastructure.

Next G Alliance and corporate involvement

In the USA, the platform Next G Alliance was established, bringing together key players in the global tech industry. Companies like Apple, Google, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung, Ericsson, LG, and others collaborate on the development of 6G internet here. The alliance's objective is to unify research, share data, and create common standards for transmission in terahertz bands.

The current pace of development indicates that the first commercial tests could appear around 2028. Until then, 6G remains a subject of intense research involving universities, the industry, and government institutions worldwide.