6G Begins! Embarking on a New Journey of Global Standards

On December 12th in 3GPP TSG-RAN meeting #106, Madrid, 6G RAN level study item supported by 56 co-signed companies was approved, which achieves a significant milestone of 6G standard. This study item aims at interacting with ITU on 6G technical performance requirements. In the future, deployment scenarios, requirements and potential directions of 6G radio access technologies will be further identified and investigated in 3GPP.

This initiative is spearheaded by industry leaders from diverse countries and regions, underscoring the shared dedication of 3GPP and the broader telecommunications sector to forge a global interoperable 6G standard. It is expected that 6G will serve as a critical enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing network capabilities to drive innovation.

Driving 6G Ahead

China Mobile stated, “6G has characteristics of immersive performance, integrated capabilities, platform-based networks, seamless coverage integrating space and earth, as well as green and low-carbon, which will realize the wonderful vision of digital twinning and ubiquitous intelligence. We believe that 6G standardization should be driven by the realistic demands of social digitalization and intelligent development, aiming at the commercial closed loop. With open minds, unity and cooperation, in-depth research and steady promotion, we will build a high-quality and high-value 6G to inject new vitality and impetus into the sustainable development of the information industry. China Mobile eagerly hopes to strengthen cooperation and collaborative innovation with global partners through the 6G joint innovation park and forge a unified global 6G standard.”

The Senior Vice President of Jio Platforms, Aayush Bhatnagar, stated, “Jio Platforms supports the development of uniform 6G standards under the 3GPP framework. By leveraging 6G's advanced capabilities, operators will address real-world challenges and drive transformative societal and industrial progress. Jio remains committed to collaborating with global partners to shape a scalable, inclusive, and sustainable future for the benefit of all. With its vision to enable hyper-connectivity, intelligent automation, and sustainability, Jio believes this uniform 6G standard will act as a catalyst for global digital transformation and serve as the foundation for empowering diverse sectors worldwide.”

The Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of NTT DOCOMO, Takaaki Sato, stated, “Developing 6G global standard is an important opportunity to provide new values such as sustainability, higher efficiency, network for AI, connectivity everywhere, and new/improved customer experiences. These values have great potential to change our life and industries with IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) for adapting to the environment in global. NTT DOCOMO is willing to lead this activity in 3GPP together with other great contributors in diverse regions, as there are global common demands and issues 6G should address.”

Vice President and Head of Infra Tech Office of SKT, Dr. Yu Takki, stated, “The collaboration with industry leaders marks a significant first step in shaping the future of the global telecommunications industry, and SK Telecom is proud to be one of the key contributors to global unified 6G standardization. We believe that 6G will not only transform connectivity but also act as a catalyst for innovation across industries, creating new value through the convergence of AI and telecommunications. SK Telecom remains committed to working closely with global partners to realize a seamless and intelligent 6G ecosystem.”

Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Strategy and Technology Enablement of Verizon, Yago Tenorio, stated, “Verizon is committed to driving innovation and collaboration within the global technology community. A unified global technology standard is essential for unlocking the full potential of 6G, enabling seamless and secure connectivity, and fostering an inclusive digital society. By working together with industry partners, we can achieve ambitious global objectives and ensure that the benefits of next-generation connectivity are accessible to all.”

Picture Courtesy: Pixabay.com