Industry experts outline the path to 6G

As the world prepares for the transition to 6G, industry experts have shared their insights on the ITU’s IMT-2030 Vision framework. This collaborative effort between industry, government, and academia aims to shape the future of mobile communications, focusing on key technologies and standards that will guide the development of 6G.

The IMT-2030 Vision document outlines crucial technologies for 6G, including enhanced mobile broadband and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) technologies.

Karri Kuoppamaki, SVP of Advanced and Emerging Technologies at T-Mobile, said:

“The IMT-2030 framework represents a collaborative effort between industry, government, and academia to shape the future of mobile communications.

As the industry moves toward 6G, the focus will be on driving innovations that unlock new economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, security, and sustainability while maintaining global leadership in technology development.”

6G technologies and innovations

6G promises to enable seamless communication across devices and systems, powered by AI and machine learning technologies that can optimise networks in real-time.

The integration of AI and machine learning into the very fabric of 6G networks is set to unlock powerful capabilities, such as managing massive machine-type communications and hyper-reliable low-latency communications on an unprecedented scale.

Viet Nguyen, VP of Technology at 5G Americas, commented: “It’s about transforming how we interact with technology, how industries operate, and how society connects.”

These advancements will open up new possibilities across various sectors, including:

• Entertainment: Immersive, ultra-high-definition experiences
• Education: Advanced remote learning and virtual classrooms
• Healthcare: Real-time remote surgeries and advanced diagnostics
• Manufacturing: Highly automated and adaptive production lines

Spectrum allocation to accomplish the IMT-2030 Vision

One of the critical aspects highlighted by experts is the need for new spectrum bands, particularly in the upper mid-band and centimetre-wave frequencies. These will be essential to support the high-bandwidth applications of the future.

Brian Daly, AT&T Fellow and AVP of Standards & Industry Alliances, commented:

“Stakeholders from the Americas are encouraged to engage in the development of favourable technical details, particularly in the areas of spectrum utilisation, AI integration, and next-generation air-interface technologies.”

The outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) have significant implications for North America and beyond. Several spectrum bands have been identified for IMT, while others are earmarked for further study or alternative uses.

Looking ahead, Viet Nguyen sees the upcoming WRC-27 as an opportunity for the Americas to “regain the initiative on 6G” by proposing new bands for IMT identification.

Security, sustainability, and standards

As 6G networks evolve, security becomes paramount. With AI integrated across all layers of 6G, these networks will offer real-time threat detection and automated responses, providing robust defence mechanisms against sophisticated cyberattacks.

The IMT-2030 framework also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, focusing on energy-efficient technologies, optimised resource usage, and environmentally friendly network deployments. This aligns with global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of telecoms infrastructure.

To secure their place in the 6G ecosystem, experts advise that regions like the Americas must actively participate in global efforts to harmonise technical standards and spectrum policies.

Several initiatives are already underway in the US, including the National Spectrum Strategy, the NSF RINGS partnership, and the Department of Defense’s microelectronics hubs focused on 5G/6G technologies.

Ali Khayrallah, Senior Technical Advisor at Ericsson, commented:

“As the industry takes the first steps in the journey to 6G, the ITU IMT-2030 framework provides a crucial roadmap for global collaboration and innovation. It’s not just about faster networks—it’s about transforming how industries and societies connect, operate, and grow in the digital age.”

As the world sets off on the path towards 6G, collaboration and alignment with international standards will be crucial for success. By focusing on integrating key technologies like AI, sensing, and energy efficiency, regions can maximise innovation and economic benefits.

(Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse)

See also: ITU-R appoints Samsung researcher to lead 6G coordination group

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Tags: 5g americas, 6g, ai, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity, ericsson, framework, imt-2030, imt-2030 vision, innovation, ITU, mobile, Networks, research, Security, spectrum, standards, sustainability, t-mobile