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Unpacking 6G with Omdia's Gabriel Brown

The conversation examines what must change for the next generation of wireless technology to become practical, valuable, and widely adopted.
6G is taking shape as a broader platform that combines communications with sensing, artificial intelligence, and continuous interaction across devices. Although early commercial systems could appear around 2029, reaching that point will require difficult coordination among standards bodies, technology developers, and network operators. Qualcomm’s strategy extends beyond faster mobile connections toward infrastructure, edge computing, and data centers, creating an AI-enabled continuum that links devices and networks. The discussion also considers how applications such as fixed wireless access, smart glasses, AI earbuds, and always-on video could increase demand for uplink capacity. Yet technical feasibility does not guarantee public acceptance: privacy concerns, cultural norms, uncertain business models, and unpredictable adoption may determine which ideas succeed. The speakers therefore distinguish realistic opportunities from speculation, while using science fiction as a way to explore the possibilities and consequences of ubiquitous computing.
03:18
03:18
6G is more than an improved 5G
15:14
15:14
6G needs transformative use cases, not just faster networks
27:20
27:20
Uplink traffic is growing faster than downlink traffic.