China Dominates 6G Patent Applications

While most countries worldwide are still transitioning from 4G to 5G communication networks, several developed nations have begun developing 6G communication networks. According to Nikkei Asia and the Tokyo-based research firm Cyber Creative Institute, China leads in the number of filed 6G patent applications.

China holds the top spot with 40.3% of 6G patent applications, followed by the United States in second place at 35.2%. Japan is in third place with 9.9%, Europe with 8.9%, South Korea with 4.2%, and other countries with 1.5%.

This research surveyed approximately 20,000 patent applications for nine core 6G technologies. The surveyed fields include communication, quantum technology, base stations, and artificial intelligence.

The majority of China's 6G patent applications relate to cellular infrastructure technology. Huawei dominates the 6G patent applications filed by China, accounting for 12%. Huawei also controls 30% of BTS (base transceiver stations) or cell towers.

6G technology is expected to be 10 times faster than 5G and enable sensors that transmit touch, smell, and taste. The 6G network is also projected to support download speeds of 1 terabyte per second (Tbps). At that speed, users could download 142 hours of film in one second.