Empowering North America with 6G: Balancing Digital Equity, Trust, Sustainability, Economy and QoL

In a comprehensive webinar, hosted by Carol Grey Preston, leaders in innovation, economics, technology, and policy come together to discuss the transformative potential and challenges of 6G technology. The panel, which includes Dr. Colleen Josephson, Dr. William Lair, Dr. Edward Aton, Greg Phillips, and Dr. Amy Zalman, delve into how 6G could revolutionize societal norms, address urgent social and economic issues, and alter employment dynamics while potentially bridging the digital divide. Key themes include the necessity for cross-disciplinary collaboration, ethical technology integration, and ensuring equitable and inclusive advancements. Panelists emphasize the importance of education, participatory policymaking, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability as central pillars to the successful deployment of 6G. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on productivity and the vital role of non-profits in technology dissemination to marginalized communities. As we approach a new era of digital connectivity, this session underlines the collective responsibility of industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to steer 6G towards a future that benefits all sectors of society.
Five Key Points:
Ethical Considerations and Sustainability: There's a consensus on the need for ethical considerations in the development of 6G technology. Panelists highlight the importance of incorporating UN sustainable development goals into 6G R&D, focusing on environmental sustainability and the carbon footprint of new technologies.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Panelists discuss the potential of 6G to bridge the digital divide but also recognize the challenges. The emphasis is on making technologies cost-efficient to ensure wider accessibility and to address equity concerns.
Collaboration Across Sectors: There's a strong call for cross-industry and government collaboration to make 6G successful. Nonprofits are identified as key players in extending the benefits of 6G to marginalized communities, with the potential for public and private sectors to train and educate on technology use.
Impact on Social Structures and Job Market: The panel acknowledges that 6G will transform job markets, with certain roles becoming obsolete and new ones emerging. There's an opportunity for 6G to improve productivity and quality of life, but it also requires adaptability and a willingness to re-skill the workforce.
Integration of AI and Accessibility: The panel discusses how 6G will integrate AI to improve user productivity, but also notes the potential risks of increased dependency on technology for essential services. Ensuring access to these advanced services is crucial, as the cost of not having access may worsen due to the loss of AI-enabled productivity enhancements.
This webinar is presented by the Societal and Economic Needs Working Group, part of ATIS's Next G Alliance.
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