6G tests see huge speeds of 280Gbps, around 28x faster than 5G: download 50GB in 1.4 seconds

In some new 6G trials using the 300GHz band, researchers have breached 280Gbps connectivity speeds: which is around 28x faster than 5G, enough speeds to download 50GB of data in just 1.4 seconds flat.

The new 6G benchmark trial was made possible by ensuring that the signal transmitted was super-clean, with Keysight's Vector Component Analyzer playing a central role in the 6G tests, build on the latest N524XB series PNA-X Microwave Network Analyzers. This enabled the use of spectral digital predistortion (DPD) to minimize any distortion and optimize the signal integrity to reach 280Gbps speeds using 6G.

The tests used NTT's indium phosphide-based J-band power amplifier, reaching 35 GBaud with 256-QAM modulation at 0dBm output, and +9.1dBm saturated power.

The previous 6G speed record was held by the Osaka University's team, led by Professor Tadao Nagatsuma, back in 2024, with breakneck speeds of up to 280Gbps, which when compared to the theoretical limits of 5G at 10Gbps, represents a 28x faster speed. This enables users to download 50GB of data in just 1.4 seconds, the equivalent to downloading a full-quality 4K Blu-ray movie, or you could download some of the biggest games on the market that weigh between 250-300GB (and more at times) in a manner of seconds, and not minutes or hours.

The new 6G speed achievement will be presented at the International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2025 event that kicks off on June 19 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA. We're still many years away from 6G smartphones in our hands, where we should expect 6G to debut sometime around 2030 for consumers.

Hirokazu Takenouchi, Vice President, Head of NTT Device Technology Laboratories, said: "At NTT, we are consistently advancing the limits of carrier frequency and integration within radio systems. These developments are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in wireless communication systems. The test and measurement industry is crucial in meeting the complex characterization needs of our devices. We have collaborated closely with Keysight throughout our design and verification stages. Keysight consistently provides innovative solutions in both its software and hardware platforms".