A recent study has placed the United Kingdom in the global top five for readiness for 6G technology, bringing it to the forefront of 6G innovation. With a 6G readiness score of 5 out of 10, the UK ranks fourth in terms of 6G-readiness along with China. Though the UK's 115 patent filings for 6G technology are significantly lower than some other leading nations, the country has documented impressive top 5G speeds reaching 392 Mbps.
According to research by Uswitch mobiles the countries leading the race to 6G are South Korea, with the highest ranking having a 6G Readiness Score of 8.75. The country, with 760 patents for 6G and fastest 5G speeds averaging 814 Mbps, has consolidated its 5G technology prowess, being a forerunner in the technology's development and application with a significant percentage of the population depending on digital services for everyday activities.
India takes the second position with a 6G readiness score of 7.5. The country has a total of 265 patents related to 6G and has recorded notable top 5G speeds of 465 Mbps. Furthermore, India reported over 900 million active internet users by the end of 2022, becoming the second-largest online market after China.
The United States ranks third in the progress to 6G, with a score of 6.88 out of 10. With an impressive 2,229 patent filings as of the end of 2022, the US also boasts substantial internet usage, where 92% of the population relies on internet connectivity for various services including entertainment, commerce, and education.
Among other study insights, South Korea was found to have the fastest 5G internet speeds globally, with its top 10% users experiencing download speeds as high as 814 Mbps. Meanwhile, in the UK, Bristol tops the list for the greatest 5G network coverage with a staggering maximum download speed of 10,000 Mbps.
Coupled with the data on regional progress, the study also brings to light the tech firms leading the charge toward 6G. Samsung, for instance, with 221 6G-related patents, has invested a colossal $2.24bn in research and development. Ericsson, in second place, has 143 patents and reported investments of $472m in R&D. Baidu, the third in line, with 95 patents, has invested $249m in R&D in 2021.
The study emphasises that while 5G technology is still in the rollout stages, there are measures for those requiring faster and more reliable mobile internet before the expected commercial launch of 6G in 2030. It suggests comparing coverage and signal strength among different network providers, considering a new SIM card, and exploring different strategies to troubleshoot decreased phone signals.