Non-terrestrial networks: have we found that ultimate catalyst for global connectivity in 6G?

The sixth generation (6G)-envisioned non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) will provide a key paradigm shift for wireless standardization. It is expected that mobile connectivity will constitute over 70% of the global population, and fifth generation (5G) connections are estimated to consist of over 1.4 billion mobile devices by 2023 [1]. By 2027, 5G subscriptions will be 4.4 billion representing faster growth than previous generation standards, with average monthly usage per smartphone reaching to 40 GB globally, and 52 GB of data traffic in both Western Europe and North America alone [2]. Reference [3] provides a complete overview of the ongoing global activities in 6G mobile communications, next generation technology enablers, recent trends, use cases and networks requirements towards the year 2030. The currently standardized 5G and 5G Advanced systems and networks are being offered to mobile consumers with smart-phones, however there is an expected gradual shift towards fulfilling the enhanced user demands which utilize massive internet-of-everything (IoE) and massive machine type communication (mMTC) devices. Along with this, the global push of the United Nations (UN) and its country members to close the digital divide will provide ample fuel for NTN based use cases. The enhanced demand of anything, anytime and anywhere connectivity, or fast and continuous service, can be driven by the “not so unconventional anymore” NTNs in a futuristic yet robust manner.