Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has begun the research and development of hardware infrastructure to welcome the era of sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication technology.
This research focuses on the design of extra-small microstrip antennas and the use of low-orbit satellites. BRIN’s independent technological development is considered essential to prepare Indonesia for the commercialization of 6G networks, projected to arrive in 2030.
Yankumar Galih Adhiyoga, a Junior Research Expert at BRIN's Telecommunications Research Center, stated that the design of single-layer and multi-layer antennas is needed due to the limited space available in future cell phones and devices.
"We cannot have antenna dimensions that exceed the size of the cell phone itself. Therefore, the antenna must be designed as small as possible so that it can be placed inside the device," said Yohanes, as quoted in an official statement on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
In addition to cellular devices, BRIN’s research team has also adopted the Starlink technology concept by developing a phased array system for satellite communications. This cutting-edge system allows the direction of the signal beam to electronically follow the satellite's trajectory, without requiring mechanical components to move.
The entire component fabrication and testing process is conducted in BRIN laboratories using equipment capable of measuring frequencies up to 110 gigahertz.
BRIN Joins The Global Competition of 6G Network Development
This domestic research initiative directly responds to the dynamics of global competition rapidly moving towards the 6G era. Unlike fifth-generation (5G) networks that use the millimeter-wave spectrum, 6G will operate in the sub-terahertz to terahertz frequency bands.
This frequency leap forces global industry players to develop advanced metacomposite materials to produce optimal signal transmission and bandwidth.
Technically, 6G networks are targeted to achieve microsecond latency levels, or a thousand times faster than the 5G latency limit. Based on projections by industry experts, 6G data transfer speed has the potential to reach up to one terabit per second under ideal conditions.
This extreme transmission capability opens up opportunities for new high-value services, such as holographic video and precise real-time industrial remote control systems.
6G Technology is Expected to Support Industry-Level Needs
From an operational and economic perspective, the 6G era is predicted to change the business orientation of global telecommunications operators. In the future, 6G technology will be redesigned to prioritize fulfilling the needs of corporations and industries.
This new focus emphasizes increased reliability, high levels of automation, and built-in integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing technologies.
This service model, which combines pure communications with computing, is believed to have much stronger commercial value.
Currently, 6G technology is still in the research phase without binding global standards. However, economic and geopolitical competition between countries has heated up, reflected in high investments to secure patents and dominate the market.
Conclusion
BRIN plans to begin the research and development of 6G antenna technology. The agency focuses on desgining microstrip 6G antenna to fit in the limited space of future phones. The research purpose is to join the ever-growing global competition in developing newer and more upgraded telecommunication technology.
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