Only a Buyers' Strike Can End the Mobile Upgrade Pattern

Though there is growing disenchantment with the value of 5G, work already is underway on 6G, for the same reasons we always have gotten next-generation mobile networks: faster speeds and lower latency. 

In principle, one might prefer an upgrade path that is more like Ethernet or optical transceivers, which are upgradeable at the edges of the network while often using the same core transport and access networks. 

Mobility is different and more similar to Wi-Fi in its reliance on public spectrum resources, which require clearing of spectrum bands, allocation of new bands and other choices such as channel size that affect potential speed and capacity. Where Ethernet can simply rely on edge upgrades to cores that are not regulated (cables), mobile and untethered networks do require specific allocations of new airwaves. 

One might logically ask why it is not possible to use an architecture that simply reuses the existing formats (4G or 5G) for future extensions that add blocks of spectrum, but retain the other architectural elements. 

Among the issues are device density; management of cell connections; decisions on channel width, modulation and other standards decisions that actually are frequency dependent. Simply put, lower frequencies use smaller channels; higher frequencies can use larger channels. 

Larger channels support higher bandwidths, faster speeds and also are more bandwidth efficient. 

source: Microwave Journal

At least so far, there does not seem to be major supplier support for moves to extend 5G enough to break the cycle of mobile network upgrades. Indeed, it is in the interest of infra suppliers to essentially force service providers to upgrade again in a decade. 

A service provider strike--a refusal to buy 6G--is about the only way to get infra to shift directions, with the possible exception of serious buying support for more-open approaches such as favored by Telecom Infra Project. But even TIP has not taken the approach that the mobile infra upgrade pattern has to be ended in favor of some more open-ended approach. 

Whether mobile operators like it or not, 6G is likely to happen. Infra providers benefit if it does. Mobile service providers might or might not benefit, but they could affect development paths only by refusing to buy. 

So far, serious appetite to do so has not emerged.