As the global telecom industry in 2026 looks beyond the 5G horizon, the blueprint for the next generation of connectivity is being redrawn. At the recent Global 6G Conference in Nanjing on the Chinese mainland, industry veteran Chih-Lin I, chief scientist of wireless technology at China Mobile, offered a compelling look at why 5G fell short of consumer expectations and how 6G promises a fundamental shift, particularly in its embrace of artificial intelligence.
The 5G Paradox: A 'Nice-to-Have' Generation
Despite being heralded as a revolutionary leap, the rollout of 5G left many users feeling underwhelmed. The chief scientist pointed to a critical shift: while previous network generations answered "must-have" demands, 5G entered an era where basic connectivity needs were already met by 4G. "I cannot think of a must-have service or application that was not already satisfied [by 4G]," she noted. Instead, 5G's primary success has been in serving vertical industries, building platforms to share resources across diverse sectors from manufacturing to healthcare.
6G's Hexagon: Expanding the Blueprint
Technologically, 5G was defined by a triangle of capabilities: massive Internet of Things, enhanced mobile broadband, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication. For 6G, the framework expands dramatically. "Instead of a triangle, it actually has a hexagon with another three points: sensing, AI … (and) coverage extension," she explained. This means 6G networks will not only connect devices but also perceive the physical environment, integrate AI at their core, and extend coverage to remote and underserved areas.
AI: From Add-On to Network DNA
The most transformative aspect of 6G, according to the expert, is its intrinsic relationship with AI. In 4G and 5G, AI was often an external tool used to optimize network performance. "For 6G, [AI] will be something that this new generation will be born with. It's from inside," she stated. This "AI-native" philosophy works in two directions: using AI to optimize the 6G network itself, and designing the network from the ground up to handle the colossal data flows, applications, and services generated by advanced AI.
She also issued a crucial design mandate: 6G infrastructure must be "forward compatible" to accommodate the blistering pace of AI innovation, which evolves far faster than the traditional decade-long telecom cycle. This flexibility is essential for adapting to unforeseen technological breakthroughs.
Looking ahead to the development journey, the scientist expressed optimism. "I really think it's a very exciting time because we have so many questions," she concluded. "There is a lot of unknown, a lot of uncertainty, and simultaneously, a lot of potential. It's a very enjoyable journey to look forward to." For business leaders, investors, and tech enthusiasts across Asia and the world, her insights chart a path toward a more intelligent, adaptive, and inclusive connected future.
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Telecom veteran on 6G: Rethinking infrastructure for the AI era
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