David Bombal #546: Is 6G Actually Real? The Truth About Future Mobile Tech
Feb 20, 2026
Niklas Horstmann, a Deutsche Telekom/T‑Mobile telecommunications executive, leads work on networking, security, and emerging connectivity. He dives into whether 6G is real or hype. He explains how satellites will complement mobile networks and when cellphones might use satellite links. He also recounts a massive car‑access security incident and talks about scaling networks for billions of devices.
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Episode notes
6G Is Mostly Early Hype Now
- 6G discussions are early and will likely mirror 5G messaging before real adoption.
- Real adoption lags hype, and 5G standalone services are now moving past the hype peak.
Satellites Complement, Not Replace, Networks
- Satellites and non-terrestrial platforms complement mobile and fixed networks to reach ubiquitous connectivity.
- Their role varies by region: minor in dense, well-covered countries and major in large, sparsely populated ones.
Add Practical AI Services In-Network
- Use AI inside the network to add pragmatic services like automated call notes and calendar entries.
- Embed such features in tariffs to save customers time and deliver clear, immediate value.