With lab testing expected to begin in 2028 and commercial rollout by 2030, Europe is already laying the groundwork for the next generation of wireless infrastructure, one built to support massive-scale IoT, real-time automation, and adaptive AI at the network core.
While 5G promised faster speeds and lower latency, 6G promises something bigger: a fully intelligent, hyper-connected world, and even lower latency.
What 6G brings to IoT in Europe
6G outperforms 5G in almost every measurable way. It promises speeds of up to one terabit per second, which is 100 times faster than 5G. It will have AI built into the network itself, making it more flexible and responsive. It also uses terahertz bands, which allow for higher data rates and more capacity than the frequencies used by 5G.
In practical terms, 5G can support around one million devices per square kilometre. 6G will increase that tenfold, making room for up to 10 million. This shift is critical for IoT. Connected devices need steady, low-latency networks to operate reliably. As these devices become more common in areas like transport, healthcare, and manufacturing, the demand for bandwidth and speed will only grow.
6G meets that demand. It will support large networks of sensors, machines, and vehicles, all able to communicate in real-time. In Europe, where cities are dense and industries are pushing for automation, this level of connectivity will make more advanced IoT systems possible.
Building the infrastructure for what comes next
6G will demand more from infrastructure than any previous network. Europe faces several hurdles, including spectrum availability, high rollout costs, and the need for cross-border coordination. The shift will also place pressure on physical infrastructure, with new sites, backhaul capacity, and edge capabilities all playing a role.
These challenges are not abstract. They shape how quickly and reliably IoT services can scale across Europe. That’s why invaluable conversations are already taking place.
One example is the panel The Future of Connectivity – What’s on the Horizon? at IoT Tech Expo Europe 2025. The session brings together speakers from Eseye, DROAM, Volvo Group, and Analysys Mason to discuss practical developments in Wi-Fi 6, edge computing, and AI-driven networking. Their focus on latency, scalability, and infrastructure reflects the real work needed to prepare for 6G in Europe.
Why advanced use cases need 6G
Predictive systems in factories depend on constant data from machines, but current networks can’t always keep pace.
Remote-controlled machinery in hazardous environments relies on near-zero latency, where even slight delays can cause safety issues. In logistics, tracking high volumes of goods in real time, across suppliers and borders, puts pressure on bandwidth and coverage that existing infrastructure can’t always handle.
These use cases are here, but network capacity is throttling their potential. 5G struggles when device density increases or when data has to be processed at the edge without delay. 6G offers the scale and responsiveness needed to support these systems in live environments. Without it, they remain unreliable at best.
6G will decide whether Europe’s most advanced IoT systems stay in testing or move into the real world. The technology is taking shape, but the hard work lies in infrastructure, policy, and coordination. Those planning for 2030 need to start now.
See also: SpaceX uses satellites to close gaps in mobile and IoT coverage
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