These evolving wireless networks have supported first responders’ growing use and dependence on data, video and image transmission, enhanced location tracking, data analytics and other elements crucial to an effective emergency response, the report stated.

But there is always room to improve. Enter 6G: the next-generation cellular network that will operate in higher frequencies, such as millimeter and terahertz communications. It will build upon previous systems by offering users enhanced data rates and bandwidth availability, according to Eirini Tsiropoulou, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

6G provides “substantially lower latency compared to its predecessor 5G cellular technology,” she said in an email to GCN. When latency is less than 1 millisecond, connected users can take advantage of haptic cyber-physical applications, she said.