
As the telecommunications industry continues its rollout of 5G networks worldwide, attention is increasingly turning to the development of 6G technology, with commercial operations expected to begin by 2030 [1]. Industry experts are emphasizing the importance of learning from 5G's implementation challenges to ensure a smoother transition to the next generation of wireless technology.
The telecommunications sector is shifting its approach from pure technological competition to focusing on practical implementation and security concerns for 6G networks. Industry leaders are particularly emphasizing the need for better coordination and standardization early in the development process [1]. This strategic shift comes as a response to various challenges faced during the 5G rollout, including infrastructure deployment issues and security concerns.
Security experts are already outlining requirements for what they call an "intelligent trusted network" (ITN) for 6G, which will be crucial as the technology is expected to support more critical applications than its predecessors. With official 6G standards scheduled for announcement by the end of 2029 [2], industry stakeholders are working to establish robust security frameworks well in advance of the commercial launch.
The development of 6G technology is expected to enable unprecedented advances in areas such as holographic communications, digital twins, and extended reality. However, industry experts stress the importance of addressing potential security vulnerabilities early in the development cycle to prevent issues that could impact the technology's widespread adoption [2].
The transition from 5G to 6G is anticipated to be more complex than previous generational shifts in wireless technology, largely due to the increased integration of artificial intelligence and the need for more sophisticated security measures. Industry leaders are advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that the technology can be deployed effectively while maintaining robust security standards [1].