The UAE and Saudi Arabia are vying to be at the forefront of technological advancements with plans to roll out 6G networks by 2030. However, the push for 6G implementation has sparked debates among telecom experts, who argue that this ambition may be premature and question its necessity. While nations in the Gulf region are known for their swift adaptation of cutting-edge technologies, the readiness of the market and infrastructure, as well as the actual demand for such ultra-fast connectivity, remain under scrutiny. Experts call for a cautious approach, advising these countries to focus on maximizing their existing 5G networks before jumping onto the 6G bandwagon.
Skepticism Among Telecom Experts
William Webb, CEO of telecom consulting firm Commcisive, raises valid concerns about the practical use cases and economic viability of 6G technology. He asserts that many anticipated applications of 6G do not represent a drastic departure from what current networks offer, often lacking a solid business model or failing to generate substantial traffic. This sentiment is echoed by other industry stakeholders who observe that, contrary to the aggressive marketing around 6G, the practical benefits might be limited. Moreover, data usage patterns in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region do not currently justify such a massive leap, with forecasts from Ericsson indicating a slowdown in data consumption growth from almost 60 percent in 2022 to below 20 percent by 2029.
The economic aspect also cannot be ignored. Historically, growth in consumer spending on mobile data has outpaced the growth in revenue ever since the 4G era. This trend is expected to continue with 6G, potentially leading to higher costs per gigabyte for consumers. The telecom industry, which constantly faces pressure to innovate, might find it challenging to recoup the high investment costs associated with deploying 6G infrastructure, particularly if consumer uptake and data usage do not meet expectations. This economic environment warrants a cautious and strategic approach, keeping in mind the return on investment and the broader economic impact.
5G Optimization Over 6G Advancement
Telecom stakeholders like Geusseppe González from Access Partnership emphasize the importance of fully leveraging the existing 5G infrastructure before making the leap to 6G. The current priority for many industry players is to fine-tune 5G technology and ensure that it delivers optimal performance and returns on investment. The widespread deployment and optimization of 5G could suffice for the majority of applications, making the urgency for 6G less critical. 5G-Advanced, an evolution of the existing 5G technology, is already showing promise in addressing the growing demands for better connectivity and higher speeds.
As stakeholders continue to invest in and explore the full capabilities of 5G and its advanced versions, the path to 6G becomes less immediate. These advancements offer potential solutions for various applications, from enhanced mobile broadband to ultra-reliable low-latency communications. Before diving into 6G, it is essential to ensure that the groundwork laid by 5G is fully exploited, providing a solid foundation for the next generational leap. The focus should be on enhancing current infrastructure and addressing existing technological challenges rather than striving for the next frontier prematurely.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Key
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are in a competitive race to lead technological advancements, with ambitious plans to launch 6G networks by 2030. This push for next-generation connectivity has ignited debates among telecom experts, who argue that the move might be premature and question if it is truly necessary. The Gulf region is renowned for its rapid adoption of advanced technologies, but questions linger about whether the market and infrastructure are prepared and if there is genuine demand for such ultra-fast connectivity. Experts are urging a more cautious approach, recommending that these countries concentrate on optimizing their existing 5G networks before leaping to 6G. While the vision for 6G is undoubtedly compelling, focusing on thoroughly utilizing and perfecting 5G capabilities could offer substantial benefits. Analysts believe this step-by-step progression would ensure a more sustainable and effective technological evolution, securing the Gulf countries’ positions as leaders in tech without risking overextension.
