Some of the industry’s biggest telco companies have called for harmonized 6G standards, through the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN).

Ahead of the 3GPP’s Release 20, NGMN has this week released a report calling on the standards body 3GPP to ensure the transition to 6G is seamless.

6G isn’t expected to launch commercially until 2030 at the earliest, however, preparation for what the next G of mobile technology looks like is already being discussed.

Release 20 will be the final standard dedicated to 5G Advanced, as it will also prepare for 6G through study projects.

The NGMN’s “6G Key Messages – An Operator View” notes that the standards need to build on what has been introduced through 5G, while also learning from some of 5G’s shortcomings.

Telcos, including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, MTN, Telefónica, Vodafone, and China Mobile, comprise the board of the NGMN, which aims to ensure that telecom networks support operators’ requirements.

“6G standards must be globally harmonized,” said the NGMN in its report. “It is expected to be built upon the features and capabilities introduced with 5G, alongside new capabilities to deliver new services and value. Such technological evolutions should be assessed with respect to their benefits versus their associated impact.

“6G standards must learn from the mistakes of 5G, including multiple architecture options, features that are never used, and use cases that have no market pull.”

The NGNM adds that the transition to 6G must be “evolutionary” and not just another generational shift.

As part of this, the group says that this shouldn’t force a complete hardware refresh, but a move towards deployment of new frequency bands for 6G should “primarily occur through software upgrades, ensuring a smooth transition.”

NGNM wants 3GPP to ensure that network architecture meets MNOs criteria for modularity, simplicity, openness, operational simplification, compatibility and interoperability, and trustworthiness.

“Along with presenting this consolidated view to 3GPP, this publication serves as a foundation for engaging with the broader industry, driving collaboration, innovation, and strategic direction in the evolving 6G landscape,” said Anita Döhler, CEO of NGMN. “A core tenet of our message is that 6G is not treated as another generational shift for mobile technology – it must be evolutionary.”

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/telco-giants-call-for-seamless-move-to-6g-says-the-technology-must-learn-from-5g-mistakes/