Musk's "Starlink" plan has encountered many obstacles
In the technology race in the 6G era, Musk's "Starlink" plan has attracted much attention. This ambitious satellite internet system aims to provide high-speed internet access to the globe through the launch of tens of thousands of low-orbit satellites. Just when Musk is striving for China, it has seized the opportunity in the field of 6G, casting a shadow on the prospects of the "Starlink" plan.
Musk has publicly stated that about 42,000 satellites need to be launched to achieve global coverage of "Starlink". But so far, SpaceX has only launched about 3,600 Starlink satellites, which is far from the ultimate goal. China has begun to deploy its own "State Grid" satellite Internet system, planning to launch 26,000 satellites, which will surpass "Starlink" in terms of the number of satellites.
In addition to lagging behind China in the number of satellites, the Starlink program also faces multiple challenges such as technology and funding. Some have pointed out that Musk may have underestimated the difficulty and cost of building such a system. It is estimated that the completion of the Starlink project could cost more than $30 billion.
In the field of 6G key technologies, China is also in a leading position. According to reports, China has made breakthroughs in core technologies such as 6G chips, antennas, and codecs, and has led the formulation of 6G international standards. The U.S. has lagged behind in investing and making progress in these areas.
Comparison of 6G strength between China and the United States: China's lead is difficult to surpass
Although the United States is trying to catch up in the field of 6G through the "Starlink" program and the "6G Alliance", compared with China, its backwardness is still very obvious. From key technologies, patent layouts to standard-setting, China dominates a number of areas, making the outside world skeptical that the United States can "overtake in corners".
In the research and development of 6G chips, China has made key breakthroughs. According to reports, Chinese scientists have successfully developed the first prototype of 6G chips, which can work at frequencies up to the visible light band, dozens of times higher than 5G chips. The United States' progress in the field of 6G chips is relatively lagging behind, and it is still improving on the basis of 5G chips.
Chinese companies are also far ahead in the layout of 6G patents. According to incomplete statistics, by the end of 2022, the number of patents applied by Chinese companies in the field of 6G has exceeded 12,000, accounting for 38.5% of the global total, while American companies account for only 14.2%. A large number of patents will help Chinese enterprises occupy a favorable position in the future development of the 6G industry.
China also plays a leading role in the development of 6G international standards. It is understood that the number of 6G standard proposals led or participated in the formulation of China accounts for 34.5% of the global total, far ahead of other countries. The standard-setting power means that China has the ability to exert more influence on the 6G technology roadmap.
The U.S. is relatively weak in 6G standard development. The U.S. government has tried to reverse the passive situation through the "6G Alliance", but this alliance composed of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and other countries is considered to be "scattered", and the interests of various countries are divergent, and it is difficult to truly unite together.
Foreign media bluntly said: It is unrealistic for the United States to "overtake in corners" in the field of 6G
In the face of China's leading edge in the field of 6G, foreign media generally believe that it is unrealistic for the United States to achieve "corner overtaking" in this field. Some people even bluntly said that Musk and the United States have fallen into a situation of passive beating in the 6G race.
According to reports, in order to restrict the development of Chinese companies in the field of 6G, the United States has tried every means to revoke 6G-related patents of Chinese companies. But this practice is considered to expose the "hegemonic mentality" of the United States and provoke strong opposition from the international community.
Some veterans point out that the reason why the United States lags behind China in the field of 6G is not unrelated to its long-standing neglect of basic research. The Chinese government has been very supportive of 6G research and development, and it has been listed as a national strategy.
The severe sanctions imposed by the United States on Chinese technology companies such as Huawei are also considered to be an important reason for its own failure in the field of 6G. These sanctions have deprived Chinese companies of access to key technologies, but in turn have accelerated the pace of China's independent innovation in 6G.
Some international think tanks believe that China's leading position in the field of 6G has been difficult to shake. The 6G industry chain will likely be dominated by Chinese companies, which will further strengthen China's influence on the global technology map.
Let's face it, some U.S. officials have also begun to reflect on whether their previous approach was too aggressive. Former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Bolton has publicly said that the U.S. crackdown on Huawei was "too exaggerated."