Episode 118 - Is Business Ready for 6G? Exploring the Next Generation of Mobile Connectivity

In this episode of Pure Digital Passion, originally aired on BBC’s Business Daily on Monday the 30th September 2024 hosted by Gareth Mitchell, we explore the game-changing technology of 6G—set to revolutionize the way we connect, work, and live by the 2030s. The episode features insights from experts and business leaders across the globe, including myself, Moses Kemibaro, providing a detailed look at what 6G means for Kenya and Africa, as well as the rest of the world. The discussion kicks off with Ashish Malhotra, Managing Director of Airtel Kenya, who sheds light on the current 5G rollout challenges across Africa, including high costs of infrastructure and limited adoption due to expensive devices. He provides a forward-looking view on how 6G could dramatically improve user experience by reducing latency and enhancing real-time applications such as virtual meetings, holographic communications, and even remote surgeries. We also hear from Professor Sana Salous, Chair of Communications Engineering at Durham University, who explains the technical aspects of 6G. She emphasizes how 6G’s unique combination of terrestrial and non-terrestrial (satellite) networks will finally close the digital divide by delivering coverage to even the most remote areas. Her insights on low Earth orbit satellites’ role in 6G highlight how this technology will overcome the limitations of traditional cell towers, especially in underserved regions. From a global business perspective, Pekka Rantala, head of the 6G Bridge Program at Business Finland, discusses the significant investments being made in 6G research, including Finland’s 250 million euro project aimed at defining 6G standards. Rantala believes 6G will be crucial for improving productivity, sustainability, and enabling new business models, especially in sectors like manufacturing, where zero-defect processes and waste minimization will benefit from advanced connectivity. As I share in the interview, Africa’s journey with 5G is still in its early stages, and many regions are yet to fully utilize 4G. However, 6G could be a game-changer for industries like telemedicine, where real-time, high-speed connections could enable African doctors to perform surgeries remotely for international patients, leveraging Africa’s competitive labor costs. I also explore how improved connectivity through 6G will make African businesses more competitive in global markets, allowing sectors like customer service, remote work, and cloud-based platforms to flourish without the limitations of today’s latency issues. The episode concludes with a real-life case study from Ian Ngatia Njoroge, General Manager of Sasa Doctor, a telemedicine service in Kenya. Ian takes us behind the scenes to showcase how technology is transforming healthcare delivery in Kenya through virtual consultations. With 5G already enabling better patient-doctor interactions, Ian imagines how 6G’s superior connectivity could further revolutionize telemedicine, improving clarity and reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the future of connectivity and how 6G will transform industries, bridge global digital divides, and potentially reshape how businesses operate. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business leader, or simply curious about the future of the internet, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what the 6G revolution could mean for you and the world.