Joint sensing and extended virtual reality are among the innovative use cases that will win adoption in the 2030s on the back of 6G communication networks, according to a new report from NGMN Alliance. The report sets out a benchmark for the industry to implement IMT-2030 capabilities that also include enhanced positioning services and artificial intelligence. To streamline the delivery of such service offerings, NGMN said that 6G also should natively support network-related APIs by design. 

NGMN, an industry association set up by leading mobile operators, published the bulletin to guide further development of 6G standards. The paper includes a number of “guiding principles” that are expected to sustain 6G adoption. For example, it recommends that 6G networks will need to be able to function without requiring upgrades to existing 5G radio access networks. NGMN believes operators must be allowed to retire 5G RAN intuitively for operating reasons, for example at the end of their operating lifespan or to introduce additional RAN software capabilities.

NGMN outlined five operational priorities for 6G delivery: network simplification, energy reduction, automation, proactive management capabilities, and quantum safe infrastructure. It says existing spectrum capacity allocated to IMT services, typically in the sub-7GHz range, would initially remain essential for delivering 6G-age mobile coverage. However it believes new IMT spectrums could be unlocked in the 6-15 GHz range for IMT-2020 and “beyond” technologies. Eventually, the sub-THz spectrum could be deployed to support IMT-2030 applications, NGMN added.

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