6G: The next frontier. From holographic messaging to artificial intelligence using subterahertz and visible light communication

With its ability to provide a single platform enabling a variety of services, such as enhanced mobile broadband communications, virtual reality, automated driving, and the Internet of Things, 5G represents a breakthrough in the design of communication networks. Nevertheless, considering the increasing requests for new services and predicting the development of new technologies within a decade, it is already possible to envision the need to move beyond 5G and design a new architecture incorporating innovative technologies to satisfy new needs at both the individual and societal levels. The goal of this article is to motivate researchers to move to a sixth generation (6G) of mobile communication networks, starting from a gap analysis of 5G and predicting a new synthesis of near-future services like holographic communications, high-precision manufacturing, a pervasive introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), and the integration of new technologies, such as subterahertz or visible light communication (VLC), in a truly 3D coverage scenario. Such a framework will incorporate terrestrial and aerial radio access points to bring cloud functionalities where and when needed on demand.