As we approach the 6G Symposium in Washington, DC, on September 23-24, 2024, the telecom industry faces a crucial crossroads. While 5G was introduced with the promise of revolutionizing industries, boosting economies, and creating a more connected world, the reality has been more complex. 5G has not yet delivered the commercial gains that many in the industry had hoped for, leaving some business leaders wary of pushing forward into 6G without clear justification.
This hesitancy sets the stage for the 6G Symposium, which will focus on the future of telecommunications, exploring how we can build a sustainable and commercially viable path to 6G. Industry giants, government officials, and academic leaders will gather to address critical concerns and questions about the development of 6G, seeking to bridge the gap between the technological advancements it promises and the economic realities the industry faces.
5G's Mixed Results: The Elephant in the Room
It’s important to acknowledge that 5G hasn’t delivered the sweeping transformations many had anticipated. While there have been advances in areas like network speed, capacity, and some enterprise applications, the expected return on investment hasn’t materialized for many telecom operators. They invested heavily in spectrum, infrastructure, and marketing—yet widespread commercial success remains elusive.
Business leaders and policymakers are now understandably cautious as they consider the jump to 6G. With 5G still maturing and struggling to meet its full potential, the prospect of pouring more resources into the next generation of technology raises legitimate concerns.
So, the critical question remains: Is 6G truly necessary right now, and if so, how do we ensure it doesn’t repeat the shortcomings of 5G?
The Key Issues Facing 6G Development
These concerns will be at the forefront of discussions at the 6G Symposium. Rather than simply celebrating the promise of 6G, the event will address these tough questions head-on, helping the industry navigate a path forward that avoids past pitfalls. Critical questions include:
- How can we unite policy, technology, and commercial development to deliver outcomes that work for all stakeholders?
- What benefits will 6G truly bring, and how do we ensure we capture them in a way that is financially sustainable for businesses?
- How can the telecom industry create a viable commercial evolution path from 5G to 6G?
- What does successful satellite-terrestrial communications integration look like in practice, and can it be achieved cost-effectively?
- What are the business cases for new technologies beyond theoretical advantages—how can they generate real value and revenue streams?
- How do we ensure spectrum management and global standards move in directions that benefit the industry as a whole, rather than creating unnecessary complications?
Who Will Be There? A Chance to Hear and Be Heard
The 6G Symposium brings together a remarkable range of thought leaders and decision-makers from across the spectrum of telecom, government, and research. This is not just a forum for academic debate; it’s an opportunity to hear directly from those who shape the policies, infrastructure, and commercial models of the telecom world.
Speakers and participants include:
- Caitlyn Clarke, Special Assistant to the US President
- David Young, Vice President, ATIS
- Mark Dankberg, CEO, Viasat & Chair, MSSA
- Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner, FCC
- Ray Dolan, CEO & Chairman, Cohere Technologies
- David Stehlin, CEO, TIA
- Tommaso Melodia, Professor, Northeastern University
- Peter Vetter, President, Nokia Bell Labs
- Rajesh Pankaj, EVP & CTO, InterDigital
- Amanda Toman, Head of Innovation Fund, NTIA
These leaders are at the forefront of discussions on policy, technology development, and the commercialization of 6G. They will be engaging in public debates, as well as more private, high-level meetings under Chatham House Rules, which will allow for candid, confidential discussions. This is a chance not only to hear from the top but also to influence the future direction of the telecom industry.
The 6G Ecosystem Map: Understanding Your Place in the Future
One of the key tools to navigating this uncertain landscape is the 6G Ecosystem Map, recently launched by 6G Academy. This comprehensive resource offers a clear view of the current players in the 6G space, across industry, academia, and government. For those attending the symposium, or those engaged in 6G development in any capacity, the 6G Ecosystem Map helps to identify potential collaborators, competitors, and thought leaders driving the conversation forward.
This map illustrates how 6G is not just about technological innovation. It’s about the interplay between policy, business strategy, and technical research. Understanding this ecosystem is crucial for anyone hoping to stay relevant as the 6G conversation continues to evolve.
Real Concerns: Business Models, Commercial Viability, and Investment
One of the most pressing concerns that will be addressed at the 6G Symposium is the need for new business models to ensure the industry can thrive. While technologists and researchers are enthusiastic about the possibilities 6G could offer, business leaders are more cautious. They want to ensure that 6G doesn’t represent another costly infrastructure upgrade with uncertain returns.
This means building closer collaboration between technical and commercial leaders to develop a shared understanding of where the value in 6G lies. What do customers truly need—whether in the public sector, enterprise, or consumer space—and how can 6G deliver those requirements in a way that creates a profitable and sustainable business case?
Sessions at the symposium will dig into these issues, with topics such as:
- Delivering a Commercially Successful Next Generation: What can the telecom industry learn from the experience of 5G, and how can we avoid similar missteps with 6G?
- Building the Next Generation of Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability has been at the heart of 6G planning, but balancing commercial, technical, and environmental demands will be a significant challenge.
- Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Collaboration: As 3GPP works toward tighter integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, this session will explore the business and policy implications of this collaboration.
Join 6G Academy Pro Members: Immediate Benefits, Personal Insights
As part of the 6G Academy community, we are offering a unique opportunity for professionals to take advantage of our Pro Membership. This membership provides access to significant discounts on 6G Academy’s courses and events, which means that the savings alone can cover the cost of the membership immediately.
As a Pro Member, you’ll also receive:
- Post-conference materials from the 6G Symposium, providing detailed insights and analyses.
- Personal insights from key industry leaders that will help you and your organization stay ahead in the rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
- Ongoing access to exclusive content, events, and networking opportunities that extend beyond the symposium itself.
To gain access to these resources, join now and be part of a community that’s shaping the future of telecom. Sign up here.
Meet Peter Pietrzyk, CEO of 6G Academy
Peter Pietrzyk, CEO of 6G Academy, will be at the 6G Symposium, and I’m eager to meet with industry professionals, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how your teams are preparing for the AI-native revolution, the Spectrum Innovation that is already reshaping the industry, and the challenges of post-quantum security. The future is coming quickly, and businesses need to be ready for these changes—or risk being left behind.
Additionally, don’t miss out on our upcoming 6G and Spectrum Innovation course, led by Emil Olbrich, former Head of Research and Development at NIST. This course offers a deep dive into the key technologies and spectrum challenges that will define 6G, helping professionals stay at the cutting edge of the industry.
If you'd like to meet up during the symposium, feel free to ping me on LinkedIn or email me directly. Let’s arrange a time to chat in Washington, DC, and discuss how we can prepare for the next generation of telecom.
Conclusion: Should You Attend?
Attending the 6G Symposium isn't a decision to be taken lightly, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the value of 6G investments. However, for those who want to be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of telecom—and ensuring that it avoids the commercial missteps of 5G—this is an event that cannot be missed.
The event will offer opportunities to engage with industry leaders, access exclusive research, and contribute to the future of telecom. If you want to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving space, you need to be in Washington, DC, on September 23-24.
Let’s build a better future for telecom—together.
