Not just another 'G' – Feature on the Next-generation Mobile Network Infrastructure.

It may feel premature to talk about the next ‘G’, especially while much of 5G’s potential is still untapped. But as 6G standardisation progresses and consumers, industries and wider society continue on a trajectory of greater interconnectivity, it is crucial that the mobile industry aligns behind a clear vision of what the next generation of networks needs to deliver.

The mobile network operator (MNO) view, as represented by NGMN, is that 6G should be driven by tangible additional value compared to what the yet to be implemented “full 5G” can deliver. That additional value could be created by developing new services in sectors where 5G is already making an impact - from digital healthcare and interactive mapping to improved industrial operations and automated threat detection and response.

By embracing emerging technology trends like combined communication and sensing, ISAC (Integrated sensing and communication), AI and immersive communication, 6G can also lead to the development of new technologies in fields such as ‘intelligent interaction’ which will improve human communication while machine communications can be taken to a new level with smart industry applications. 

6G should address customer needs and business driven investments, new services and requirements, and future services which are not yet foreseen. To enable a proactive response to changing customer needs, modularity, flexibility, and openness are key drivers for the next generation of mobile networks. 6G networks also need to be sustainable, simple, commercially viable, and be driven by value for end users.

When you also consider the level of flexibility now being enabled through cloud native solutions, disaggregation and standardised 5G architecture, it is clear that 6G should be based on a network evolution rather than being ushered in with a complete refresh of network hardware. Wherever possible, the evolution of 6G should be driven  by software upgrades within existing spectrum, It should be built upon and extend beyond the features and capabilities introduced with 5G. And while 6G should be fully compatible with 5G, it should address any gaps and limitations of it, such as deployment complexities and energy efficiency. 6G should allow for simple migration strategies from 5G to 6G, enabling faster deployments for operators, support network simplification and guarantee a seamless user experience.

NGMN operator members are clear that 6G rollouts should avoid mandatory hardware replacement in existing spectrum bands. Any new technologies must be justified with well-defined benefits for the end-user, as well as improved energy efficiency and efficiencies in spectrum utilisation[SW1] [OB2] . For example, future deployments in sub-THz frequency bands for IMT-2030 may require new radio technologies to handle higher data rates and capacity demands. 

Work is still ongoing to define how 6G will look. As major 6G milestones are reached and standardisation progresses at 3GPP, NGMN is providing the foundation for engaging with the broader industry, driving collaboration, innovation, and strategic direction, by clearly articulating MNO requirements at the early stage ofstandardisation and developments.

As an operator-driven organisation, we ensure that 6G works for MNOs but also fulfils societal needs, provides value to end user, embraces sustainability by design, and supports a healthy mobile ecosystem.