China Launches World’s First Test 6G Satellite

China Mobile has launched what it said is the world’s first 6G satellites, as the nation pursues a leading role in the emerging communications technology.

The state-owned telecommunications operator launched two experimental satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO). 

One of the test satellites uses 6G architecture, which was jointly developed by China Mobile and the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, while the other uses China Mobile’s 5G tech.

The LEO satellites will orbit at an altitude of around 310 miles.

These lower-orbit satellites are seeing a surge in popularity due to their offer of lower latency and higher data transfer rates than higher-orbit satellites – enabling flexible orbit routes and high-speed internet to remote areas. 

China Mobile will conduct in-orbit experiments on the test satellites and use the data to further the development of space-to-ground technologies.

China is aiming to commercialize 6G technologies by 2030, according to a white paper from The International Telecommunication Union released last December.

"Mobile communications are central to our efforts to ensure that everyone is meaningfully connected," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU’s secretary-general. “By agreeing on a way forward on 6G, ITU Member States have taken an important step toward ensuring that technical progress is synonymous with affordability, security and resilience — supporting sustainable development and digital transformation everywhere." 

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According to the ITU, expected applications for 6G include “immersive” communication, providing higher quality video communication capabilities for customers, as well as widespread connectivity in rural and sparsely-populated areas to bridge the digital divide.