China breaks new ground in 6G and satellite internet technologies

China announced it had made significant progress towards developing a 6G network and satellite internet. According to the South China Morning Post, the country’s scientists have successfully tested a ‘spaceborne optical switching’ technology that can transfer light signals without converting them into electrical signals.

Under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a team from the Xian Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics designed the equipment that was sent into orbit in August. When mounted on a satellite, the new technology could deliver a switching capacity of 40 gigabits per second, much higher than traditional switching technology.

The country’s telecom operators are working hard to demonstrate their 6G capabilities. Achieving a wireless transmission speed of 100 gigabits per second marks a milestone in 6G development for China. For example, China Unicom aims to complete technical research and plan application scenarios for 6G technology by 2025. China is also launching its own satellite internet network, ‘Guo Wang‘, a constellation of 13,000 satellites, to reinforce Beijing’s vision for a state-managed segment of the satellite internet market. In addition, with the support of the Shanghai municipal government, China is planning G20 Starlink, a second mega constellation with up to 12,000 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Why does it matter?

Technological evolution, such as satellite applications, 6G mobile broadband, and access to supercomputing resources, will all lead to increased demand for high-capacity and ultra-fast data transmission, part of which will come from LEO satellite infrastructure. These developments are part of China’s overall strategy to claim its part in the future internet satellite market and next-generation telecom technologies. China’s advancements in 6G technology and satellite internet have the potential to establish the nation as a prominent player in these cutting-edge fields, contributing significantly to its quest for technological independence and leadership on a global scale.

Additionally, if China’s Guowang and G60 Starlink compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in the developing world, it could lower the price of internet connectivity for those who will benefit the most.
Despite the progress, there is still a long way to go before practical applications. China’s satellite internet, including spaceborne optical switching technology, is still behind the US. Furthermore, since China currently lacks reusable rocket launch systems comparable to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, it is still unclear how tens of thousands of satellites will be launched into space.