China has officially unveiled the world’s first 6G chip, marking a significant step in global telecommunications. Developed by researchers at Peking University and City University of Hong Kong, the ‘all-frequency’ 6.6G chip can deliver mobile internet speeds exceeding 100 gigabits per second across the entire wireless spectrum, from 0.5 GHz to 115 GHz. This breakthrough could enable high-speed internet access in previously underserved regions, allowing the rapid transmission of large data files like 50GB 8K movies. However, the technology has sparked debate, with critics highlighting concerns about data privacy, surveillance, and potential health risks from increased electromagnetic radiation. Additionally, the development underscores the growing global competition in next-generation wireless technologies.
Despite the potential benefits, both 5G and 6G technologies have faced criticism, with concerns over health risks from increased electromagnetic radiation, especially with higher frequency bands used in 6G. Vulnerabilities for cyberattacks also arise as more devices connect and the environmental impact of expanding infrastructure, alongside the digital divide, could worsen inequality by leaving rural areas behind. Critics also warn of increased surveillance and data privacy issues as connectivity grows. Wireless technologies like 5G are currently limited to certain frequency ranges. The new 6G chip reportedly integrates the entire spectrum (0.5 GHz to 115 GHz) into a compact 11mm x 1.7mm chip, replacing multiple systems that handled different frequencies. This allows the chip to seamlessly operate across low to high bands, benefiting both high-demand applications and areas needing broad coverage, such as rural or remote regions.
Professor Wang Xingjun from Peking University emphasized the potential of high-frequency bands like millimetre-wave and terahertz, noting their suitability for applications such as virtual reality and surgical procedures. Researchers are currently working on creating plug-and-play modules for various devices, from smartphones to drones, which could expand the new chip’s use in everyday technology. Meanwhile, the White House has also begun planning for the 6G rollout, indicating the global significance of this technological advancement.