The world is ready for 5G technology and the host of opportunities it brings. However, one man is looking ahead and wants to join 5G with its possible successor 6G here and now. Yes, you heard it right President Donald Trump tweeted:
I want 5G, and even 6G, technology in the United States as soon as possible. It is far more powerful, faster, and smarter than the current standard. American companies must step up their efforts, or get left behind. There is no reason that we should be lagging behind on………
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2019
Let’s not forget that the environmental aspects of 5G are still being investigated, but Trump is not deterred. It seems he hasn’t moved on from demanding that the popular game-Monopoly feature his picture on the box’s face. He explains his rant further by stating:
….something that is so obviously the future. I want the United States to win through competition, not by blocking out currently more advanced technologies. We must always be the leader in everything we do, especially when it comes to the very exciting world of technology!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2019
The obsession with competition and staying ahead might be symptoms of the fear that China’s ascendancy in the Tech world brings. Apart from political bravado, the tirade shows little comprehension of tech dynamics and how even 5G works. As per current estimates, 5G will operate 100 times faster than 4G, which has a peak speed of 1GB/second. The theoretical aspects, let alone practical implications of 6G have not been defined yet, and the phenomena might take a decade to mature.
Trump might have fanatical views about 6G, but Jessica Rosenworcel-Commissioner for Federal Communications Commission went a step further. In September 2018 she stated that 6G networks would feature spatial multiplexing and terahertz frequency networks. She also admitted that the pre-requisites include network densification on an unprecedented level, i.e. embedded and miniaturized base stations situated everywhere. This will result in 1000 times’ higher capacity than 5G networks due to thousands of simultaneous wireless connections.
The sheer atrocities committed on tech infrastructure are astonishing. It makes us question the quality of life if such tech intrusion permeates our life and whether Terminator will become a closer reality. Technology is not just adopted for the sake of technology. There are heavy costs to pay in financial, social and environmental terms if the technology is to be used in an optimal manner. If Trump has his way, then we might be seeing 24/7 virtual sessions, which spread his wisdom on the latest 6G networks. If that’s not a vivid dystopian future, then I don’t know what is.
