What is 6G? Boingo CTO Looks to Future of Wireless Convergence

Wireless technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. While 5G is still being deployed and optimized around the world, the industry is already looking ahead to what’s next: 6G. 6G will push the boundaries of connectivity with even faster speeds, ultra-low latency and intelligent network capabilities that seamlessly integrate with artificial intelligence, edge computing and emerging digital ecosystems. 

At Boingo, we’re always looking to the future. As a leader in wireless innovation, we understand that preparing for what’s next means laying the foundation today. 6G won’t just be about speed—it will be about convergence, bringing together cellular, Wi-Fi, private networks and next generation wireless technologies like advanced distributed antenna systems (DAS) to create seamless, secure and adaptive connectivity. 

So, what does this 6G future look like? And how can the industry collaborate to make it a reality? Boingo’s CTO, Dr. Derek Peterson, shared his perspective on the evolution of wireless, the role of 6G and why working together will be key to unlocking its full potential. 

“6G gives us a chance to rethink how networks serve people and business, allowing us to move pillars of wireless technologies into one unified networking system,” says Dr. Peterson. “With 6G, we’re calling upon the industry to embrace an ecosystem where all networks across all spectrums collaborate to better support use cases like intelligent healthcare delivery, smart enterprise infrastructure and zero-trust security networks for mission-critical applications. That’s how we’ll realize the true capabilities of 6G.” 

With unmatched reliability and speed, healthcare facilities, high-trafficked venues and critical infrastructure all stand to benefit immensely from 6G connectivity. Imagine hospitals with uninterrupted data flow between medical devices and care teams. Picture a stadium packed with 18,000 fans where a completely frictionless AI-driven environment and intelligent building sensors seamlessly rely on a unified wireless backbone for immersive, personalized event experiences. These aren’t far-off possibilities—they’re practical applications we can enable with 6G technology. 

At Boingo, we’re already building the blueprint—deploying converged Wi-Fi, 5G, DAS and private networks in some of the most demanding environments. For example, our team designed, built and manages a groundbreaking wireless solution that enhances digital connectivity for one of the busiest commuter hubs in the U.S.—Grand Central Madison in New York City. By integrating cutting-edge 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi 6 technologies across 10 miles of tunnels and a three million square foot underground station, we’re showing what’s possible with converged connectivity at scale. The wireless network at Grand Central Madison not only improves digital access for millions of daily riders but also supports critical transit operations and smart city initiatives, giving us a glimpse into the 6G era by demonstrating how wireless innovation can drive urban transformation. Wi-Fi, 5G, DAS and private networks are the scaffolding for a 6G world where secure, intelligent, adaptive networks are integral for innovation. 

“To modernize alongside technology advancements, you need a partner who’s been through nearly every iteration of wireless and knows how to future-proof infrastructure,” added Dr. Peterson. “At Boingo, we’ve transitioned networks for our venue partners like airports and stadiums from 2G to 3G to 4G to 5G, and now we’re helping the industry prepare for 6G. That experience matters. It’s what makes us uniquely qualified to design solutions that are scalable, adaptable and ready for what’s next.” 

Dr. Peterson also serves as the co-chair of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) Board of Directors, an organization dedicated to driving the future of wireless through innovation, collaboration, and interoperability. The WBA plays a crucial role in aligning industry leaders, setting standards and fostering an ecosystem where Wi-Fi, cellular and private networks work together to enhance connectivity in places like major airports, transit hubs, hospitals, stadiums, office buildings, multifamily dwelling units and military bases. Boingo worked closely with the WBA to shape the following WBA Vision for 6G, a framework designed to guide the industry toward a more seamless, efficient, and impactful wireless future. 

WBA Vision for 6G 

1. Ubiquitous connectivity for all: Advocate for a wireless ecosystem where wireless networks collaborate rather than compete. This environment ensures uninterrupted experiences for users, regardless of environment, urban, rural or indoors. 

2. Practical solutions for industry challenges: 6G should prioritize resolving industry pain points such as fragmented user experiences, costly network implementations, and inconsistent coverage. Realistic, scalable models that leverage Wi-Fi and cellular, and other wireless technologies, to address these issues effectively. 

3. Cost and operational efficiency: Operators must balance increasing data demands with operational/energy efficiency to ensure sustainability. Wi-Fi’s cost-effectiveness can complement 6G to reduce CAPEX, operational costs and network densification, particularly indoors. 

4. Targeted applications for impact: Unlike 5G’s broad focus, 6G should concentrate on practical verticals like healthcare, smart cities, and industrial automation. These areas benefit most from reliable, low-latency, and seamless connectivity. 

5. Global collaboration and standardization: Importance of industry-wide collaboration, aligning Wi-Fi, cellular, among other technologies advancements through standards bodies like 3GPP, GSMA, IEEE, IETF, WBA and the Wi-Fi Alliance to avoid fragmentation and ensure interoperability. 

The path to 6G is a shared one. Let’s build it—together.