Communications Authority Hosts Asia-Pacific’s First 6G Global Summit, Pioneering a New Era of Next Generation Communications

Hong Kong, as the regional communications hub, has always been a pioneer in advanced communications technology.  In November last year, Hong Kong was the first city in the world to auction radio spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band, a critical step in preparing for the development of 6G.  To lead and promote next generation communications technology and applications, with the strong support of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Communications Authority (CA) will host the 6G Global Summit in Hong Kong from 8th to 9th May, marking the first time this event being held in the Asia-Pacific region.

This year is the fourth edition of the Summit since its debut in 2022.  The event is expected to attract over 500 participants around the world, either in-person and online, including representatives from policy makers, regulators, international organizations, telecommunications operators and corporations, industry experts and scholars to jointly explore the challenges and opportunities of 6G technology.  The Summit will be officiated by Mr Algernon Yau, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and will feature keynote speech by senior representative from the International Telecommunication Union.  The Summit will feature panel discussions, delving into various aspects of 6G for in-depth dialogue and exchange. 

Global Leading Experts Gathering to Drive 6G Development

Mr Chaucer Leung, the Director-General of Communications of the Office of the Communications Authority, highlighted that since the launch of 5G services in Hong Kong in 2020, 5G has now evolved into its mature stage, with the latest introduction of 5.5G / 5G-Advanced technologies.  According to the Q3 2024 GSMA report, Hong Kong ranks first in 5G connectivity in the Asia-Pacific and fifth globally, reflecting the city’s leadership and potential for future advancements.

Commercial 6G services are expected to be launched by 2030.  “The upcoming Summit will foster technical exchanges and cooperation among the global industry players, strengthening the connection among CA, regulators and telecommunications professionals from other regions.  We hope this mega event can showcase the city’s overall development in telecommunications to the international community and tell a good story about Hong Kong,” said Leung. 

Envisioning the Future of 6G Communications

Leung said that the Summit will delve into several critical issues around 6G, including standardization, spectrum roadmap, practical applications, as well as the benefits that can be created for the public, enterprises and government.  To highlight the uniqueness of Hong Kong in hosting this Summit, the event will feature a special session to explore the role and contributions of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the 6G future. 

6G Shaping a Better Future and Driving Economic Development

“6G will significantly enhance the outcomes of applications, such as Internet of Things (IoT), telemedicine system, and unmanned transport,” said Leung. “With the support of 6G, more innovative applications will be realized to meet the needs of society and enterprises.”
Leung emphasized that the ultimate goal of 6G technology and services is to enhance people’s quality of life.  The realization of 6G must be developed alongside other advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data.

Hong Kong at the Forefront of Asia-Pacific Telecommunications Development

Leung said that Mainland China continues to lead in various telecommunications fields in recent years, including the cutting-edge research and strategic planning for 6G.  He said Hong Kong will benefit from the Mainland’s leading position in 6G development, enhancing its role as “super connector” in the Asia-Pacific region.  Hong Kong is also a forerunner in 6G development: the first economy in the world to auction radio spectrum in 6/7 GHz band for existing 5G and future 6G services.  Leung said, “This will help the industry make early preparation, fostering innovation and laying the foundation for 6G development.”

What is 6G?

6G refers to the sixth generation of mobile communication technology. Key features include:

Massive Connectivity: Capable of supporting up to 100 million devices per square kilometer.

Ultra-Low Latency: Latency will be as low as 0.1 milliseconds, providing a seamless experience for applications.

Extreme Reliability: Targeting 99.99999% reliability, ensuring stable connections even in remote areas.

Intelligent Networks: Integrated with artificial intelligence to enable smarter, more adaptive communication systems.

Integrated Sensing: Enhance high-precision positioning and support advanced applications.