The university's engineers presented their initial findings on the experimental network at a conference in Beijing on July 10.

According to media reports, the experimental network uses semantic communication and has achieved a "tenfold improvement in key communication metrics, including capacity, coverage and efficiency."

Xinhua said the 6G field test network is a "world first" and can lower the entry threshold for 6G research, speeding up the initial testing of 6G key technologies.

According to the report, the network features deep integration of communication and AI, which is "an important direction" in the evolution of communication technology.

Professor Zhang Ping, who leads the university's research team, said at the conference, "The integration of the two will accelerate the formation of new business forms of the digital economy. AI will improve the perception and understanding of communication, while 6G will extend the reach of AI to all fields."

6G Internet services are expected to be available around 2030, but work on 6G standards is ongoing and could be completed later this decade.

6G networks will use higher frequencies than 5G, offering much higher capacity and lower latency. The 6G technology market is also expected to improve imaging, presence technology, and location awareness. With AI, the 6G infrastructure should determine the best location for computing, including data storage, processing, and sharing.

Several countries are racing to develop the next generation of communications technology.

China will launch the first 6G services by around 2030, with 6G standards expected by next year. Japan plans to establish key technologies for 6G by 2025 and offer "beyond 5G" services by 2030, partnering with companies like NTT Docomo and Sony.

In February, the US and nine other countries outlined six common principles for 6G networks, including protecting national security, using spectrum efficiently, and protecting privacy.