6G-IA is focusing on ‘beyond 5G’ (B5G) and 6G research, pre-standardization activities, policy and regulatory issues
Europe’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and ETSI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation on 5G and 6G.
6G-IA has a wide range of activities, including “beyond 5G” (B5G) and 6G research, pre-standardization activities, policy and regulatory issues, 5G and 6G frequency concepts, international collaboration and verticals’ engagement to shape next-generation industrial use cases.
The main aim of the 6G-IA is to contribute to Europe’s leadership on 5G, 5G evolution and SNS/6G research, the organization said. The 6G-IA represents the private side in both the 5G Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) and the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). In the 5G-PPP and SNS JU, the European Commission represents the public side.
“It is therefore very relevant that 6G-IA join forces with ETSI and be further involved in its Research, Innovation and Standards Ecosystem (RISE) group as well as the ETSI Technology Radar (ETR) activities mapping emerging technology areas,” the partners said.
“ETSI is at the forefront of innovation, and we recognize the essential role of cutting-edge research in enabling strong and relevant world-class standards. Our close collaboration with 6G-IA demonstrates our shared interests in evolving technologies in Europe and will certainly be fruitful for both organizations,” said David Boswarthick, director of new technologies in ETSI.
Early this year, the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) is expected to launch the first phase of 5G/6G research projects, many of which will play a key role in the definition of next generation networks. The ETSI Research Conference in early February will provide the platform for these new projects to present their purpose and plans and exchange with the standards experts on their standardization roadmaps.
“The 6G-IA is driving the development of 6G in Europe with the creation of the Smart Networks and Services partnership together with the European Commission. This major research program will invest at least 1.8 billion Euros into 6G research in the period 2021-27.Joining forces with ETSI, the European standards organization for mobile telecommunications was a natural move forward for us” said Colin Willcock, chair of the 6G-IA Board.
In August 2022, 6G-IA and ATIS’ Next G Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange information regarding their work programs in areas of “mutual interest” in the field of future 6G communication systems and networks.
The Next G Alliance said that the agreement also covers collaboration on joint activities, including workshops, seminars, webinars and trials on 6G-related topics.
