A reason for optimism about sustainability: 6G
Oct 14, 2020 by Toby Youell


Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 appeared optimistic. Extreme poverty, for example, is to be eradicated, while everyone will also have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. 

And while the pandemic appears to have reversed progress towards these goals, there is reason to be optimistic, according to a recent PolicyTracker research note. 

This is because some of the first thinkers about 6G have the SDGs in mind. Researchers at the University of Oulu identify 6G as a three-fold facilitator for the SDGs. They think it will provide services to help steer and support countries’ efforts towards the goals. It will also enable data collection for measuring progress towards the goals. Finally, it will reinforce new ecosystems based on 6G technology enablers. 

At the same time, 6G’s network architecture will also be designed to be as efficient energy efficient as possible. So while optimism may be as scarce as spectrum in 2020, at least 6G could provide some hope. 

The research note, Climate concerns to drive 6G development, is part of our new Greening Spectrum Policy dossier. It is available to Spectrum Research Service Subscribers here.