The 6G Manifesto

Announcing a new book I’ve just published – The 6G Manifesto. Available here

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DJFCZ6NH/

in paperback, hardback or Kindle versions.

I’ve become increasingly alarmed by the visions of 6G, which I’d summarise as “5G on steroids”. With 5G disappointing, such a vision seems certain to fail. So I’ve put together the book to discuss the visions from all the key players, to set out what’s actually needed, and to put forward a different vision, that would bring benefits.

The first chapter discusses the concept of mobile generations, looks at what defines a new generation and concludes that, while there are strong arguments that we do not need another generation, the 6G “super tanker” has already left the port and hence the arrival of 6G is inevitable. But if that is so, then at least it should be a generation that benefits users and stakeholders.

The second chapter looks at the lessons that can be learned from 5G. It shows that 5G is, at least to date, a failure in that it has not delivered on its vision, it has not been profitable, and users have hardly noticed any benefits. It discusses the factors that caused this including the excessive hype, enlisting of politicians and a failure to learn lessons of previous generations. It draws out the implications for 6G including that there should be a focus on frequency bands below 3GHz and the need for mobile network operators (MNOs) to have a strong voice in setting direction.

The third chapter looks at the problems with current mobile networks and shows these are a lack of widely available and high-quality coverage, and in some cases high costs. It shows how much improved coverage can be delivered at low cost by utilising other networks including satellite, Wi-Fi and selective national roaming across other cellular networks.

The fourth chapter looks at the published 6G visions from manufacturers, operators, research bodies and industry alliances. It shows that there are two completely separate camps – the manufacturers and academics arguing for 5G-on-steroids, and the operators pleading for a software only cost-reducing update which improves coverage. The fifth chapter then shows how the manufacturers’ visions will lead to an even worse outcome than 5G with very limited 6G availability.

The sixth chapter sets out a better vision for 6G. It calls for always-connected quality coverage, including in rural areas, urban not-spots, indoors, and in trains. It sets out the need for highly reliable networks but also for lower consumer costs, likely achieved through lower operator capex and opex including reduced energy consumption. It discussed how this vision can best be achieved with a multi network coordinator that sits outside of individual cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite networks and coordinates and provides common services across all of them. It includes a contribution from David Lake on protocols.

The seventh chapter looks at how to bring about this vision and argues that MNOs need to take a strong lead in telling politicians, journalists and the public about a vision that will bring clear benefits to all users, and then they need to pressure manufacturers to ensure that the standards deliver appropriate solutions.

Chapter eight provides a summary of the book while the final chapter summaries the vision in the form of a manifesto.

I think this is an important book. While not all will agree with my suggestions for what 6G might be, reading through the summary of where we have got to and comparing with the visions from the manufacturers is sobering and highlights the real challenge to get things back on track.

At only $8 for the Kindle version and only around 38,000 words I’d encourage you to take a look and would be delighted to see feedback, either on a post, or directly to me.