As we continue to push the boundaries of digital transformation, 6G is emerging not just as the successor to 5G, but as a fundamental shift in how we design, operate and experience connectivity. While 5G introduced high-speed mobile broadband and opened the door to new use cases across industry and society, it has limitations that 6G is poised to overcome.
Read the summary
- The 6G network is architecturally innovative, being AI-native and energy-efficient, which allows for autonomous decision-making, adaptive resource allocation and reduced energy consumption through intelligent surfaces and optimised signal processing.
- Security is fundamentally reimagined in 6G through zero-trust principles and quantum-resistant encryption, ensuring trust, privacy and resilience in complex, decentralised network architectures, including terrestrial and non-terrestrial platforms.
- The integration of non-terrestrial networks like satellites extends coverage to remote and underserved areas, enabling global services and essential applications such as disaster response, precision agriculture and maritime logistics.
This summary is written by AI and checked by a human.
In our white paper, we thoroughly discuss what kind of benefits 6G brings compared to 5G. This blog offers a glimpse into the subject.
Performance beyond limits
One of the key promises of 6G lies in its performance. While 5G delivers gigabit-level data rates and millisecond latency, it struggles to support the most demanding applications such as holographic communications, autonomous systems and real-time remote operations at scale. 6G addresses this with ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), bit rates in the terabit range and positioning accuracy down to the centimetre. It will enable seamless, high-precision services in fields like robotics, extended reality and critical infrastructure management.
A new kind of network: AI-native and energy-aware
6G goes beyond faster speeds. It reimagines the network as a distributed, intelligent computing platform. Artificial intelligence (AI) is built into the core of 6G, enabling autonomous decision-making and adaptive resource allocation. This AI-native architecture makes the network more agile, scalable and capable of learning from its environment.
Energy efficiency is another defining feature. As sustainability becomes a societal imperative, 6G networks are being designed to operate with significantly lower energy consumption. This is enabled through innovations like intelligent surfaces, energy-efficient signal processing and hardware-level optimisation.
Security, trust and resilience by design
The complex and decentralised architecture of 6G requires a fresh approach to cyber security. Unlike 5G’s perimeter-based security model, 6G will adopt zero-trust principles and quantum-resistant encryption. With components distributed across terrestrial, aerial and even space-based platforms, trust, privacy and resilience are embedded at every layer of the network.
Expanding beyond Earth
Another leap forward is the integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) such as satellites, drones and high-altitude platforms. This global infrastructure will provide coverage in remote and underserved regions, support disaster response and enable truly global services, from maritime logistics to precision agriculture.
The foundation for a smart and sustainable society
VTT’s vision of 6G is grounded in real-world impact. As networks become deeply embedded in critical infrastructure and societal systems, their stability, scalability and sustainability become essential. 6G is not just about performance; it’s about enabling services that are trusted, inclusive and aligned with the values of a smart, sustainable future.
In short, 6G represents a holistic transformation. It extends the capabilities of 5G, while introducing entirely new ways of thinking about communication, computing and collaboration. With its AI-driven intelligence, energy-awareness and built-in security, 6G sets the stage for the next wave of digital innovation far beyond the limits of today’s networks.
Interested in reaping the benefits of 6G? Read our white paper or contact us to get started. You can also read our blog on what it takes to go even beyond 6G.
Get to know our experts
Jyrki Huusko is one of Finland’s leading experts in future communication networks, autonomous network management, and AI-based network optimisation. At VTT, he leads the research environment for reliable communication connections and serves as the Principal Scientist for future intelligent communication networks and systems. Over his 25-year career at VTT, Jyrki has made a significant impact on European 5G and 6G research. He is a member of the steering group of the pan-European technology consortium NetworldEurope and chairs its Expert Advisor Group. His deep expertise includes network architectures and intelligent network management.
Petteri Annamaa is a pioneer in microelectronics and quantum technology, actively involved in developing and commercializing new technologies for industrial use. He has extensive experience working in industry as well as in the development of microelectronics and quantum technologies, and he has done groundbreaking work in these fields as well as in 6G device technology. Petteri also holds numerous patents related to antenna technologies for various telecommunications applications. In his work, Petteri aims to deeply understand customer and market needs and apply new technologies accordingly. His diverse experience in both research and industry provides a practical perspective on how emerging technologies are shaping the future.
Mika Rantakokko is a digitalisation innovator and has worked as Connectivity Lead at VTT since 2022. He promotes research and development activities as well as corporate collaboration to harness the full potential of future connectivity solutions and digitalisation. Mika’s scope of work includes technologies such as 5G/6G and quantum communication, and their application across various sectors including defense/dual-use, industry, transport, health, and smart cities. He coordinates VTT’s NATO DIANA test center operations and is actively involved in international 6G networks. His work bridges technological vision with practical solution development, advancing the creation and utilisation of intelligent and secure connections now and in the future.
