NTT Docomo said that the new item was agreed at the recent 3GPP TSG-RAN meeting in Madrid
Japanese carrier NTT Docomo announced the beginnings of 6G, describing the approval of a 6G RAN level study item at a recent 3GPP group meeting as a significant milestone towards the next generation mobile technology.
The item, agreed at the recent 3GPP TSG-RAN meeting in Madrid, was co-signed by 56 companies including operators from several markets.
The Japanese telco stated that this study item aims to collaborate with the International Telecommunications Union (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, the telco added.
NTT Docomo highlighted that it is expected that 6G will serve as a critical enabler of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing network capabilities to drive innovation.
In the release, a number of representatives from the participating companies commented the importance of the development.
According to China Mobile, “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.”
Takaaki Sato, SVP and CTO at NTT Docomo, added, “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.”
Meanwhile, Yu, Takki, vice president and head of Infra Tech Office at Korean telco SK Telecom, said: “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.”
“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,” said Yago Tenorio, CTO and SVP of Strategy and Technology Enablement at Verizon.
Initial 6G networks are expected to be commercially launched around 2030.
