By KATE GAWLIK

When “Can you hear me now?” was a popular slogan, most could not have imagined the technology needs of the future. In fact, most people today are more interested in  sharing documents, data and messages than hearing anyone talk.

In many markets, the instant sharing of data is not possible, even with the advancement from 4G to 5G networks. This can be especially burdensome at construction sites where network infrastructures are not fully established.

Imagine the next generation – 6G – where sharing, collaborating and coordinating occurs with improved speed. Expected to hit markets by 2030, 6G could have a positive impact on the construction industry.

“This may not seem like much of a change from 5G, but this is a big opportunity at large job sites where it can be difficult to get connectivity,” says Jaydee Griffith, managing director of the Next G Alliance for ATIS (the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions).

Prep Phase

6G as a concept was formally introduced in 2023 in the United States when the National Telecommunications and Information Administration NTIA received a report from the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). The document reviewed the need for 6G from a communications, safety and security standpoint, among other needs. In February 2024, the United States released a statement (with Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom) about a global vision of 6G. With this, thus began a collaboration of public and private firms giving their input and starting research and development to determine what is needed to make the change.

Among the requests were a focus on: security, AI, sustainability, regulations, global leadership and equitable access. Griffith points out there still is time for people to speak up about their wants and needs.

He says, “If we want 6G to serve as many people as possible, we need to build it to what the market needs are, not what telecom thinks those needs are.”

Input from those in the construction industry can go to Griffith at [email protected].

The changeover may require additional infrastructure in some markets, but most 6G capabilities should be covered by the 5G system that is already in place. In the future, increased data demand with the adoption of AI, for instance, could mean the need for better infrastructure. This is part of the major push for data center construction happening across the country. Communities may need additional cell towers or other hardware, like antennas and access points. Buildings also may require upgrades to be 6G-ready, especially those that cannot properly handle 5G.

Benefits for Construction

For most people, the change from 5G to 6G will just be an updated “6G” symbol on a device. For the construction industry, 6G hopefully is noticed with improved functionality and a decreased lag in coverage. Specs, plans, standards, change orders, budgets and any other documents, as well as reports about employee and vehicle locations, work hours and safety, can be shared instantly on a properly functioning network. Push-to-talk apps that were adopted early in construction may see a returned surge on a faster, more secure network.

The next generation also could bring improved energy efficiency by allowing sites to safely go offline.

Griffith says, “From a network operations standpoint, the single biggest cost is power from keeping sites online. When we ask how 6G can enable sustainability in construction, we have to think about not keeping equipment running all the time or idling. A network can monitor use and performance and shut down equipment that is not in use. There also is the capacity to add solar-operated generators.”

While electrical contractors are not seeing upcoming work at this point for infrastructure needs, they and others are watching the market to determine how they can benefit. Real-time sharing with increased technology adoption and improved security is a positive change for everyone in construction.

Kate Gawlik writes about construction, design and business trends from Lockport, Ill. She can be reached at [email protected].