If you buy a new smartphone, it will almost certainly be ready to access 5G data. This latest technology, which was first launched back in 2019, offers improved download speeds and much better reliability than older 4G and 3G connectivity. It’s also able to cope with more devices accessing the signal at the same time which means less chance of buffering or connectivity issues when sending WhatsApp messages at busy train stations or people-packed stadiums. Get a good signal, and 5G can be faster than some fixed-line broadband, with download speeds in excess of 200Mbps easily achievable.

That’s already impressive, but things could be about to get even better. US tech firm Qualcomm has just announced its next network ambition, which could see 6G arriving as soon as 2029.

During Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the US firm said it has created a new strategic coalition with leading industry partners to accelerate the development and global deployment of 6G.

“The collaboration establishes a clear, milestone-driven roadmap focused on delivering 6G commercial systems starting from 2029 onwards,” Qualcomm confirmed.

Qualcomm has a rich history of developing the latest mobile technology with its 5G modems already built into millions of devices.

In the future, 6G could take things up another notch with Qualcomm promising that, “6G is more than the next step in wireless evolution.”

Devices using this futuristic tech will not only be able to access data at vastly faster speeds but also enable higher levels of efficiency and performance for telecommunication applications.

“It is the foundation for an AI-native future that distributes intelligence across devices, the edge, and the cloud, and transforms network providers into AI-driven enterprises,” said Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Having led multiple generations of global wireless innovation, Qualcomm brings deep expertise and capabilities to the development and commercialisation of 6G. As with every wireless transition, success will depend on strong and dedicated partnerships, shared purpose and joint innovation. This group of industry leaders is making a united commitment to invest and innovate to deliver on a common 6G vision, with the rollout from 2029 onwards.”

Of course, we’re still a long way off getting 6G smartphones and some may argue that the 5G network needs fully installing before we start adding another another new way to access data.

That said, as we continue to move to a more connected world, 6G could become vital in the future.

6G (sixth-generation wireless) will be the successor to the current 5G mobile networks that continue to grow across the UK.

As confirmed by Qualcomm, it is expected to launch commercially around 2030 and aims to deliver ultra-fast data speeds.

In fact, some reports suggest it could reach speeds of up to 1 terabit per second, which would allow films to be downloaded in the blink of an eye.

6G will likely use higher-frequency spectrum, including terahertz waves, enabling advanced applications such as holographic communication, immersive extended reality (XR), smart cities, autonomous systems, and AI-driven networks.

Along with Qualcomm, other firms such as Samsung and Nokia are also actively developing 6G technologies.

The goal of 6G is to create seamless, intelligent, and highly integrated global connectivity beyond what 5G can provide.