China launces world’s first 6G experimental satellite
China recently launched the first 6G experimental satellite. The satellite will test the technology of Tetrahertz waves in space.
Key Highlights
On November 6, 2020, china launched world’s first experimental satellite. It was launched into orbit along with 12 other satellites. The satellite weighs 70 kg approximately. The satellite carries technologies used for forest fire prevention and crop disaster monitoring.
About 6G
The 6G band lies between the 5G millimetre wave frequency and terahertz frequency. The 6G is more advantageous than the of 5G in terms of speed and lossless transmission, especially in space.
Background
The 14th five year plan of China (2021-25) is dedicated in becoming technologically self-reliant in artificial intelligence, semiconductor chips, fifth generation wireless technologies and autonomous vehicles.
International Telecommunication Union on 6G
The research for 6G was recently launched by the ITU in March 2020 during its 34th ITU Working Group meet. The research works are to begin by 2021. Both machines and humans will use 6G. In other words, 6G will be more related to Artificial Intelligence communication.
Current status of 5G
5G is only in its initial stages. There are only 82 commercial networks in the world using 5G. They are mainly located in US, UK and Australia.
5G in India
The Government of India is to carry out 5G spectrum auction in the first quarter of 2021. According to the Department of Telecommunications, the sale will include almost 8,300 megahertz of airwaves. The auction was to be held in 2020. However, it was postponed due to poor financial health.
Disadvantages of 5G
The range of 5G connectivity is not good as the 5G waves can travel only very short distances. The initial costs of 5G are high. It consumes more power and hence the battery drain in devices using 5G will be faster. The upload speeds in 5G do not match with the download speeds.
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Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020