3GPP Organizational Partners ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TSDSI, TTA and TTC announced that 3GPP will develop the next generation of global communications specifications. Based on its success over several technology generations, from 3G to 5G, 3GPP is uniquely positioned to develop the standard for the sixth generation of mobile systems or “6G.” The organization’s consensus-based process delivers the critical technical specifications that provide a complete system description for the mobile networks that billions of users depend on.
3GPP is currently at work on Release 18 and will soon begin development of Release 19 of its specifications, which relate to 5G-Advanced. However, delivery of a new mobile generation is a multi-year process. That is why the work for the 6G specifications is being planned well in advance. 5G brought increased interest in 3GPP, with the organization growing to meet the demands of more sectors and new services. Further growth may be expected as the needs of 6G use cases are considered in the standards development process.
Since its inception, 3GPP has successfully delivered on the promise of cellular communications. The Organizational Partners in the project now stand ready to embark on the planning for the next generation, 6G.
Seiji Nishioka, executive director, ARIB said, “Mobile communication systems have been positioned as an essential platform for our society and economy, and we believe this trend will further increase with 6G. For mobile communication systems from 3G to 5G, 3GPP has also worked with the ITU to strongly promote standardization development all over the world. Through this commitment, the 3GPP Organizational Partners will work together to develop 6G which will bring more values to all of us with global standard.”
Susan Miller, ATIS President and CEO said, “Mobile technology uniquely underpins innovation in many parts of society and the global economy. 3GPP’s ongoing 5G work delivers valuable technology for global customers. Further improvements through the 5G Advanced lifecycle will help ensure 5G’s operational importance. Looking forward, industry, users and government have expressed growing interest in 6G’s potential to not only deliver new services but to optimize existing ones. ATIS’ Next G Alliance has developed a comprehensive 6G roadmap for North America that will serve as a basis for our input to 3GPP global 6G standardization.”