The Promises—and Pitfalls—of 6G Are Coming Into Focus

Hello readers,

Welcome to the IoT For All newsletter! This week we’re talking the how the future of 6G is starting to take shape, mastering enterprise LoRAWAN, cellular integration for IoT, and more!

It Hertz So Good

A new Nature study offers a glimpse of what 6G could make possible. Researchers demonstrated a wireless system capable of sending data at up to 100 Gbps across an unprecedented range of frequencies, from low bands that provide wide coverage to high bands that enable data-heavy applications . It’s an early proof that the flexible, all-band connectivity long envisioned for 6G is starting to move from theory into practice.

Instead of relying on just a slice of spectrum, 6G networks will likely span everything from sub-6 GHz to terahertz frequencies. Low bands will still carry signals across large areas, while ultra-high bands can deliver extreme speed and ultra-low latency for IoT applications like digital twins, autonomous robots, or immersive virtual reality. The challenge is stitching all these layers together into a seamless experience. It’s something no previous generation has fully achieved.

The promise is enormous: 6G could deliver speeds up to 1 terabit per second, support trillions of devices, and embed AI directly into the network itself. That would transform connectivity from a “dumb pipe” into an intelligent service layer, powering new business models like AI-as-a-Service or Sensing-as-a-Service.

But struggles remain. High-frequency signals fade quickly, blocked by walls, weather, or even people. Hardware that can flexibly move across all bands is still experimental, and global standards are years away. Security is another hurdle, with the looming threat of quantum computing capable of breaking today’s encryption methods. And without careful planning, the cost of 6G devices and infrastructure could widen the digital divide rather than close it.

Still, development is accelerating. Unlike 5G, which often overpromised and underdelivered on monetization, 6G is being built with business value front and center. Researchers are working on multi-layer spectrum strategies, AI-native networks, and new governance models to ensure security and trust. Proof-of-concept breakthroughs like the Nature study are important markers that the technology is advancing toward that vision.

6G is about more than faster speeds (though it is also about that). It’s also about creating a flexible, intelligent platform for the “Internet of Everything.” Enterprises that begin preparing now with AI, edge computing, and as-a-service models will be best positioned to capture the opportunities when full-spectrum wireless finally arrives.

Whenever that may actually be.

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🎙️ The IoT For All Podcast

In this episode of the IoT For All Podcast, Gaurav Johri, co-founder and CEO of Doppelio, joins Ryan Chacon to discuss software validation and testing in IoT. The conversation covers the vital role of virtualization, the increasing complexity and distributed nature of connected products, the benefits of combining physical and virtual testing labs, the pitfalls of simulator-based approaches, intelligent automation in DevOps, the ROI of early validation, and future trends in AI, edge computing, and 5G.

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🗓️ Events & Webinars

The Things Conference 2025 is the world’s most exciting event about LoRaWAN with a focus theme on Edge IoT, bringing together the latest advancements in LoRaWAN, Cellular IoT, AI at the edge, energy harvesting and single-board computing.

From smart infrastructure and industrial automation to AI-powered asset tracking and ultra-low power sensor networks, this global event provides everything you need to build and scale your IoT solutions. Get hands-on with 100+ cutting-edge IoT devices at the Wall of Fame, connect with 1,500+ global attendees, including industry leaders, solution builders and buyers, and dive into expert-led workshops and real-world use cases that are transforming industries today.

The Things Conference 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in IoT and drive innovation toward a smarter, more connected future.

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