ITU
How NTIA “Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security” might influence 6G/IMT-2030 standards and 3GPP specifications
Introduction:
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the “Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security,” a multilateral initiative uniting more than 20 like-minded governments to coordinate on a shared vision for open, interoperable, secure, and resilient 6G networks. While politically significant, the effort operates alongside—not in place of—the established technical standards ecosystem led by 3GPP and ITU-R, and its impact will hinge on closing critical supply-chain and participation gaps.
“The Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security reflects an unprecedented level of international coordination on the future of communications technology,” said Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “Today’s action recognizes that 6G will be dramatically different from 5G, and that advancing U.S. and allied leadership requires a dramatically different playbook. By working now with trusted partners, we will ensure that next generation networks reflect our shared security interests, strengthen our competitiveness, and drive innovation. I am proud of the role NTIA has played in building this global partnership, and I look forward to seeing our shared commitments translated into meaningful action.”
NTIA is launching this initiative alongside more than 20 partner governments spanning Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Western Hemisphere. Through the Call to Action, participating governments have pledged to strengthen cooperation on 6G over the next 12 months and beyond in support of security, interoperability, and resilience in next generation networks. The initiative also recognizes that trusted artificial intelligence (AI) will be central to the development and operation of secure and innovative 6G networks for the United States and its global partners.
Initiative scope and strategic alignment:
The Call to Action explicitly advances the objectives of President Trump’s December 2025 Presidential Memorandum on “Winning the 6G Race,” which frames 6G as foundational to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic prosperity. Participating governments commit to strengthening cooperation over the next 12 months and beyond on security, interoperability, and resilience, with an emphasis on trusted AI as central to 6G operations. The document also stresses avoiding duplication with industry-driven standards bodies while exploring constructive interfaces with private-sector stakeholders.
Initial milestones include establishing government points of contact, engaging industry and academia, identifying barriers to leadership, and exploring ways to strengthen secure and resilient supply chains.
Membership composition and notable absences:
The coalition includes the United States and key advanced-economy partners with strong mobile capabilities and intellectual property portfolios—among them Finland, Sweden, Japan, and South Korea—alongside a broader set of allies across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Western Hemisphere. However, several strategically important economies are not signatories, including India, Vietnam, and Taiwan, as well as Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico.ntia+2
-
India and Taiwan participate in various Huawei-free supply initiatives but are not part of this specific Call to Action.
-
Vietnam maintains a cautious posture toward China and has pursued domestic 5G equipment development, yet it remains outside the current framework.
These absences matter because 6G security is only as strong as its end-to-end supply chain. A credible security posture requires participation from low- to medium-cost manufacturing hubs aspiring to grow their hardware sectors—an endeavor that demands coordinated reshoring and friend-shoring at scale.
Standards reality check – 3GPP and ITU-R WP5D remain responsible:
This NTIA led alliance is a high-level political and policy forum; it does not set 6G standards or specifications. The NTIA will likely shape U.S. positions and coordinate federal input so that U.S. industry contributions to 3GPP and ITU‑R reflect national security, spectrum, and innovation priorities. In practice, NTIA’s role is policy, spectrum, and interagency coordination, while the detailed 6G standards are produced by 3GPP and then submitted to ITU‑R WP5D for IMT‑2030 approval. Technical standardization will continue to be driven by:
-
3GPP Release 21, expected to deliver the first set of 3GPP 6G technical specifications and serve as the basis for IMT-2030 submission before 2030.
-
The Release 21 timeline is to be finalized by June 2026, with ASN.1/OpenAPI freeze no earlier than March 2029 (some industry views target end-2028).
-
-
ITU-R WP5D, which is developing the IMT-2030 framework and evaluation guidelines, and has opened a submission window for candidate Radio Interface Technologies (RIT/SRIT) from February 2027 to February 2029.itu+3
IMT-2030 RIT/SRIT submissions are expected to align closely with 3GPP Release 21 outputs. The Call to Action can help smooth policy disagreements and align security priorities, but it cannot override or replace these processes; at worst, it risks adding another layer of complexity or politicization if not carefully scoped.
How NTIA interfaces with 3GPP:
-
Policy and requirements feed‑in: NTIA gathers input from industry, academia, and other agencies (e.g., via its 6G Request for Comments and the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee) to inform the U.S. government’s 6G policy and priorities. Those priorities—open, interoperable, secure, and reliable architectures; public‑safety needs; and spectrum alignment—are then reflected in U.S. positions carried into 3GPP by U.S. standards bodies and companies.
-
Standards‑body channel via ATIS: In 3GPP, the U.S. Organizational Partner is ATIS. NTIA does not sit inside 3GPP as a member, but it works with ATIS and U.S. stakeholders to ensure that federal requirements (e.g., for public safety, security, and spectrum harmonization) are represented in 3GPP work items and technical reports. For example, the FirstNet Authority (working under a congressional mandate) actively participates in 3GPP to advance public‑safety requirements into 5G‑Advanced and 6G.
-
Spectrum and R&D alignment: NTIA’s National Spectrum Strategy and federal R&D programs are designed to make sure that the bands and research directions needed for 6G are available and de‑risked before 3GPP locks in key radio and system designs. This indirectly shapes what is feasible in 3GPP Release 21 (the expected first 6G release).
How NTIA interfaces with ITU‑R WP5D (IMT‑2030):
-
U.S. administration role in ITU‑R: NTIA is the U.S. administration for ITU‑R matters. It coordinates U.S. government positions, prepares proposals, and supports U.S. delegations at ITU‑R WP5D meetings, including WP5D’s work on IMT‑2030 (6G) RIT/SRITs.
-
Requirements and evaluation framework: ITU‑R WP5D defines the IMT‑2030 framework, minimum performance requirements, and evaluation guidelines for candidate 6G radio technologies (RIT/SRIT). NTIA helps ensure that U.S. views on security, resilience, spectrum, and public‑safety are reflected in these high‑level requirements and evaluation criteria.
-
From 3GPP specs to IMT approval: 3GPP develops the actual 6G technical specifications (expected to be completed around 2028–2029 for Release 21) and, through ATIS, submits them to ITU‑R WP5D as the primary IMT‑2030 candidate. WP5D then evaluates the candidates against its requirements and, if they pass, incorporates them into ITU Recommendations. NTIA’s role here is to coordinate the U.S. position on those evaluations and the resulting Recommendations, not to write the 3GPP specs themselves.
In summary NTIA influences 6G standards indirectly—through spectrum policy, federal R&D, interagency coordination, and U.S. positions in ITU‑R—while relying on ATIS and U.S. industry to carry those priorities into 3GPP’s technical work and into ITU‑R’s IMT‑2030 process.
The new NTIA‑led Call to Action is a multilateral policy forum which could:
-
Align partner governments on shared security and interoperability principles that then inform national positions in 3GPP and ITU‑R.
-
Support supply‑chain and trusted‑AI initiatives that underpin secure 6G deployments, complementing the technical standards produced by 3GPP and approved by ITU‑R.
The initiative’s greatest value lies in creating a trusted, action-oriented forum to:
-
Coordinate on security-by-design principles, including open interfaces, interoperability, and resilience requirements that can feed into national procurement and regulatory frameworks.benton+1
-
Accelerate trusted AI integration into 6G network operations and management.ntia+1
-
Map and mitigate supply-chain vulnerabilities, especially for radio access network (RAN) components, semiconductors, and test/measurement ecosystems.
However, without bringing in pivotal manufacturing and assembly locations—particularly in South and Southeast Asia and Latin America—the alliance risks leaving the most exposed links in the 6G supply chain unaddressed.
From political alignment to measurable impact:
Given the proliferation of 6G alliances, the Call to Action must demonstrate tangible progress to remain relevant. Priority actions include:
-
Operationalize working groups within 12 months to produce concrete guidance on secure RAN architectures, AI-enabled operations, and resilience metrics.ntia+1
-
Bridge to standards work by channeling consensus positions into 3GPP and ITU-R via national standards bodies and industry coalitions, without duplicating technical workstreams.benton+1
-
Expand the circle by engaging non-signatory economies through targeted supply-chain and innovation programs, making participation economically attractive to members.
If executed with discipline, the Call to Action can reduce fragmentation, elevate security baselines, and de-risk the path to commercial 6G. If not, it may become another layer of diplomacy with limited effect on the technical and industrial realities that will define 6G.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
References:
https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2026/ntia-launches-global-call-action-6g-leadership-and-security
https://www.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/call-to-action-for-6g-leadership-and-security.pdf
https://www.lightreading.com/6g/new-us-6g-alliance-must-show-it-can-make-a-difference
Roles of 3GPP and ITU-R WP 5D in the IMT 2030/6G standards process
IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements for Radio Interface Technologies
ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.EVAL] & ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.SUBMISSION] reports: Evaluation & Submission Guidelines for 6G RIT/SRITs (6G)
ITU-R WP5D IMT 2030 Submission & Evaluation Guidelines vs 6G specs in 3GPP Release 20 & 21
ITU-R WP 5D Timeline for submission, evaluation process & consensus building for IMT-2030 (6G) RITs/SRITs
Comparing AI Native mode in 6G (IMT 2030) vs AI Overlay/Add-On status in 5G (IMT 2020)
AI wireless and fiber optic network technologies; IMT 2030 “native AI” concept
Verizon’s 6G Innovation Forum joins a crowded list of 6G efforts that may conflict with 3GPP and ITU-R IMT-2030 work
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
Ericsson and e& (UAE) sign MoU for 6G collaboration vs ITU-R IMT-2030 framework
Analysis: Cohere’s $28M U.S. DoD FutureG ISAC contract; OTFS vs OFDM; 6G-NR/IMT 2030 RIT standards outlook
Executive Summary:
Cohere Technologies has won a $28 million U.S. government contract funded by the FutureG Office within the U.S. Department of War (previously called the Defense Department or DoD) to develop a multi-waveform RAN prototype for integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), with Cohere’s Zak-OTFS as a core waveform alongside conventional OFDM [1]. The DoD award expands on a National Science Foundation VINES Phase 2 project. It will fund the development of a sovereign, mission-first ISAC capability that leverages existing and future commercial 5G/6G infrastructure to provide persistent aerial and ground surveillance while remaining indistinguishable from ordinary cellular traffic.
Mission: The contract is intended to turn commercial cellular infrastructure into a sensing layer for detection, tracking, and response applications, especially drone defense. Cohere says the prototype will support a multi-waveform software stack, a mobile test platform, and a layered inference sensing system that converts delay-Doppler data into real-time 3D tracks with classification and confidence scoring.
Cohere is positioning OTFS [2.] via its Pulsone/Zak-OTFS technology, as the waveform that better fits high-Doppler sensing and communications than plain OFDM. The company argues that OTFS carries information in the delay-Doppler domain, which is useful when the same signal must communicate and sense moving targets such as drones. If successful, this DoD funded ISAC demo could give OTFS a stronger credibility boost with standards bodies, equipment vendors, and defense customers, even if it does not immediately make OTFS a mainstream 3GPP waveform.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Definitions and Comparison: OFDM vs. OTFS:
Note 1. OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) is the 1D time-frequency workhorse that dominates WiFi, 4G and 5G because it is simpler, mature, and standardized by IEEE 802.11, ITU-R, and ETSI. OFDM maps data onto orthogonal subcarriers in the frequency domain, with symbols arranged over time and frequency; it is the basis of 4G LTE and is also used in 5G NR. OTFS maps data in the delay-Doppler domain and then spreads each symbol across the time-frequency plane, so the receiver sees a more invariant coupling to the channel under high Doppler and multipath.
Note 2. OTFS (orthogonal time frequency space) modulation is best thought of as a 2D, delay-Doppler-native waveform that Cohere has championed for highly mobile and doubly selective channels. It’s main advantage over OFDM is that it can make the channel look more stable to each symbol in fast-varying, high-Doppler environments, whereas OFDM excels when channels are relatively well-behaved and implementation efficiency matters most.
| Aspect | OTFS | OFDM |
|---|---|---|
| Best channel condition | High mobility, high Doppler, strong time variation | Quasi-stationary or modestly varying channels |
| Channel view | Delay-Doppler domain, more invariant symbol coupling | Time-frequency domain, channel varies per subcarrier/time slot |
| Equalization burden | Potentially easier in challenging channels, especially with mobility | Well understood and efficient in mainstream deployments |
| Standardization | Emerging, not yet the default cellular waveform comsoc+1 | Fully embedded in 4G/5G ecosystems |
| Maturity | Less mature, more research/prototype-driven | Very mature, widely deployed |
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Quotes and Capabilities:
“ISAC is a mission-first priority for the U.S. Department of War to defend against drone swarms. Due to guidance from leadership to execute rapidly, we required a partner with the right technology ready today,” said Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for FutureG, OUSW(R&E). “As a proven innovator with a demonstrated ability to build multi-waveform platforms, Cohere Technologies offered a clear path that we could move on immediately. Their OTFS modulation carries information directly in the sensing domain, delivering massive communications and sensing performance advantages in high-Doppler environments. This solution rapidly delivers critical ISAC capabilities while building on our ‘innovate-first’ posture, demonstrating the tremendous opportunity for innovation brought by the FutureG Open Centralized Unit Distributed Unit (OCUDU) platform.”
The multi-waveform system prototype is designed to provide detection, classification, tracking, and defeat-cueing of drone threats while operating in commercial spectrum bands, making it difficult for adversaries to distinguish sensing activity from normal cellular communications. In addition to core defense applications-including battlefield awareness, border security, and critical infrastructure protection-the program will identify parallel commercial use cases such as Advanced Air Mobility, smart city traffic management, and public safety. Work under the contract will be executed in close collaboration with government technical authorities and program partners.
“This ISAC contract from DoW represents a major milestone for Cohere and for the future of dual-use wireless technology,” said Ray Dolan, Chairman and CEO of Cohere Technologies. “By combining our Pulsone Technology with conventional Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in a flexible, software-defined architecture, we can deliver high-performance sensing that is affordable, scalable, and operationally invisible-exactly what is needed to counter the growing threat of sophisticated drone and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).”
Key Capabilities to Be Developed Under the Program:
- A Multi-Waveform physical layer running on an open, extensible software stack that supports both traditional 4G and 5G OFDM and Pulsone Technology using the Zak-OTFS waveform.
- A Mobile Test Platform enabling bi-static and multi-static sensing configurations.
- A Layered Inference Sensing system that converts raw Delay-Doppler data into real-time 3D tracks with classification and confidence scoring.
- Realistic outdoor test environments supporting mono-static, bi-static, and multi-static sensing.
- Compliance with the FutureG OCUDU platform and Zero Trust security requirements.
“This ISAC project award validates Cohere’s long-term vision of building sovereign, future-proof wireless infrastructure that serves both national security and commercial markets,” Dolan added. “We are proud to work alongside the FutureG Office and partners to deliver technology that strengthens our nation’s ability to sense and respond in contested environments.”
Cohere and the FutureG Office are considering commercial applications like Advanced Air Mobility traffic management, smart-city applications, and public safety are all named as potential adjacent markets, continuing the dual-use framing the Pentagon has increasingly favored for next-gen wireless R&D.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Caveats and 6G NR/IMT 2030 RIT Standards Outlook:
The public information so far is largely company-announced, so the contract details, schedule, and technical requirements should be treated as initial disclosures rather than a full program specification. Also, the award appears to fund a prototype and operational demonstration, not a guaranteed path to standards adoption or mass deployment. While it is certainly possible for OTFS to be accepted as an IMT 2030 RIT (Radio Interface Technology), 3GPPs submission (via ATIS) to ITU-R WP5D will almost surely be OFDM based version of 6G NR.
ITU-R WP 5D has published the IMT-2030 roadmap and invited RIT-candidate submissions in the 02/2027 to 02/2029 window, so the process is still open to proposals. WP 5D’s role is to define the overall radio system aspects for IMT, but it does not itself guarantee adoption of any one waveform; candidates must survive technical performance requirements, evaluation criteria, and national/industry consensus. That means OTFS can still be proposed, but it would need to show clear benefits under the evaluation framework and broad support from proponents.
To get adopted, OTFS would need to prove more than attractive simulation results. It would need implementable receiver complexity, backward-compatible deployment pathways, acceptable PAPR and synchronization behavior, and a compelling story for mass-market devices, not just high-mobility or ISAC use cases. The literature and industry commentary generally position OTFS as strongest where Doppler and sensing matter most, which helps its case but may also narrow its scope.
The most realistic 6G/IMT 2030 standards scenario is:
-
3GPP keeps OFDM-family waveforms as the baseline for 6G NR.
-
OTFS remains active in research, patents, and trial implementations.
-
OTFS is considered for targeted IMT-2030 RIT use cases such as high mobility, NTN, or integrated sensing and communications, rather than universal deployment.
Conclusions:
The U.S. government is backing Cohere’s OTFS-centered ISAC concept with real funding, and the strategic aim is to fuse communications and sensing in a way that is harder for drones or other threats to detect. For OTFS, that is a meaningful validation event, but still a prototype-stage win rather than proof of broad cellular standardization.
Cohere’s OTFS is not “better OFDM”; it is a different design point optimized for a harder channel model. OFDM remains the incumbent because it is standardized and efficient, but OTFS has a credible technical case where Doppler and channel variation are the real bottlenecks.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
About Cohere Technologies:
Cohere is the innovator of Universal Spectrum Multiplier (USM) software for 4G, 5G, and Multi-G. USM significantly improves mobile networks in any FDD and TDD spectrum band – and Pulsone™ Technology which is based on the Zak-OTFS waveform for ISAC and NTN. Pulsone is a trademark of Cohere Technologies. Cohere is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. (USA). www.cohere-tech.com
About the FutureG Office:
The FutureG Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering is responsible for the strategic assessment and research and development of FutureG technologies to confer long-term economic, military and security advantages to the United States of America and its allies. By strengthening and developing relationships with private industry, academia, interagency and international allies and partners, the FutureG Office promotes the use of common, commercial standards for DoW operations, encourages adoption of open and interoperable technologies, and advances critical next-generation wireless network capabilities.
About the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation:
The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, hosted by the Linux Foundation, is a global public-private initiative dedicated to building a commercial and research ecosystem around a production-ready, open source CU/DU stack. By fostering collaboration across the entire RAN lifecycle, from R&D to end-to-end integration, the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation provides the reference architectures, conformance tooling, and “super blueprints” required to scale Open RAN from pilot projects to global production.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
References:
https://www.lightreading.com/6g/us-defense-dept-backs-6g-rival-to-tech-used-by-ericsson-and-nokia
Cohere Technologies bags $28M DoW deal to turn cell sites into drone-spotting sensors
https://rt.cto.mil/ddre-rt/science-and-technology-futures/futureg-home/
Multi-G Initiative to drive Open RAN Software Interfaces and increase innovation
IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements for Radio Interface Technologies
At its February 2026 meeting in Geneva, ITU-R WP 5D reached agreement on the technical performance requirements for IMT-2030, also known as 6G. Formal approval is expected to follow when the parent ITU-R study group 5 meets in December 2026.
At their Feb 2026 meeting, WP 5D WG Technology Aspects/SWG Radio Aspects discussed all the 16 contributions related to that document. It was clarified that these requirements are to be evaluated according to the criteria defined in Report ITU-R M.[IMT 2030.EVAL] and M.[IMT 2030.SUBMISSION]. They are used only for development of IMT-2030 radio interface technologies (RIT/SRITs).
IMPORTANT: As noted many times, 3GPP will specify the 6G Core network and 6G Architecture which will have their own performance requirements. See References below.
The working party’s draft new report, “Minimum requirements related to technical performance for IMT‑2030 radio interface(s),” outlines 20 technical performance requirements (TPR). Seven of them are new and specific to describe the 6G performances. Those IMT 2030 technical performance requirements will be used as unified requirements to evaluate the 6G radio interfaces (RITs/SRITs).
Image Credit: ITU-R
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The IMT-2030 Usage Scenarios:
The full set of requirements is based on six proposed usage scenarios for 6G networks:
- Immersive communication (IC)
- Hyper reliable and low‑latency communication (HRLLC)
- Massive communication (MC)
- Ubiquitous connectivity (UC)
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and communication (AIAC)
- Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC)
The IMT-2030 framework:
The newly defined 6G requirements build on the IMT‑2030 framework that ITU first published in December 2023 as a globally harmonized foundation for next‑generation connectivity (Recommendation ITU‑R M.2160). This recommendation also defines the overarching principles for future network design, notably:
- Sustainability.
- Security and resilience.
- Connecting the unconnected.
- Ubiquitous intelligence.
ITU – the United Nations agency for digital technologies – aims for the 6th generation of mobile communications (6G) to enable affordable, resilient, energy‑efficient networks for health, education, agriculture and disaster response. Advanced networks also present a way to close the persistent digital divide that today leaves many people in low-income countries behind.
This work to date provides a unified technical foundation to evaluate the candidate radio interfaces for IMT-2030 and guide the evolution of global 6G research and standardization.
Groundwork for future resilience:
IMT‑2030 lays the groundwork for affordable, high‑quality connectivity to remote and underserved communities. By setting globally harmonized performance requirements, it aims to ensure access for everyone, make communication systems more resilient, support sustainability and implement energy‑efficient technologies. ITU aims for innovative 6G services to deliver broad social and economic benefits.
The 20 requirements set out in the new draft report are meant to provide a consistent basis for specification and evaluation. While the requirements establish minimum performance levels, they do not restrict implementation approaches or guarantee real-world deployment performance.
They reflect ongoing global research and technology activities and should pave the way for concrete IMT-2030 evaluation guidelines, the next step in ITU’s global standardization process for 6G.
Accordingly, the IMT-2030 draft report has been submitted for approval to ITU‑R Study Group 5, responsible for terrestrial radiocommunication services, at a meeting scheduled for 1 December.
Until then, the draft remains available exclusively to ITU‑R members directly involved in its finalization and approval. You need a TIES login account to access ITU documents.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
About ITU-R Study Group 5:
ITU-R Study Group 5 is responsible for Terrestrial Services, including Fixed Wireless, Mobile (land, maritime and aeronautical), radiodetermination service as well as amateur and amateur-satellite services and the development of international standards, regulation and guidelines for these systems. The group’s work encompasses a wide range of topics, including spectrum management, network architecture, and radio interface technologies.
About ITU-R Working Party 5D:
ITU-R Working Party 5D is responsible for the development and harmonization of international standards for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems, including the latest IMT-2030 (6G) technology. The working party’s efforts ensure interoperability and global compatibility for wireless communication systems.
Further information on IMT‑2030 and related activities is available on the portal for IMT towards 2030 and beyond.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
References:
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/Pages/default.aspx
Roles of 3GPP and ITU-R WP 5D in the IMT 2030/6G standards process
ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.EVAL] & ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.SUBMISSION] reports: Evaluation & Submission Guidelines for 6G RIT/SRITs (6G)
ITU-R WP 5D reports on: IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements; Evaluation Criteria & Methodology
Comparing AI Native mode in 6G (IMT 2030) vs AI Overlay/Add-On status in 5G (IMT 2020)
AI wireless and fiber optic network technologies; IMT 2030 “native AI” concept
Verizon’s 6G Innovation Forum joins a crowded list of 6G efforts that may conflict with 3GPP and ITU-R IMT-2030 work
ITU-R WP5D IMT 2030 Submission & Evaluation Guidelines vs 6G specs in 3GPP Release 20 & 21
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
Development of “IMT Vision for 2030 and beyond” from ITU-R WP 5D
Part II: Outcomes from the IEEE–ITU Sustainable Climate Symposium
IEEE–International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Symposium on Achieving a Sustainable Climate – Part II
by Marta Koch, IEEE Europe Member & PhD Researcher & Teaching Facilitator, Imperial College London with Alan J Weissberger, IEEE Techblog Content Manager
Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part article summarizing this ITU-IEEE Symposium. Part I is here.
Why AI Matters for Sustainable Telecommunications:
The IEEE–ITU Symposium on underscored that developing AI‑enabled sustainable telecommunications networks represents a fundamentally multidisciplinary challenge situated at the intersection of communications engineering, energy systems, computer science, climate science, and public policy. Delivering meaningful climate outcomes through digital technologies requires not only progress in algorithms, architectures, and network optimization, but also institutional frameworks that enable responsible, interoperable, and scalable deployment across diverse operational contexts.
A systems-level view of telecommunications sustainability os needed—beyond traditional performance metrics—to one where future networks are intelligent, adaptive, and energy‑efficient by design. Building on ITU analyses positioning AI, advanced connectivity, and digital platforms as key enablers of environmental action, participants also highlighted the importance of understanding their environmental trade‑offs.
Machine Learning for Climate‑Aware Network Optimization:
Machine learning (ML) is emerging as a strategic enabler of climate‑aligned energy management across telecom networks. ML techniques now underpin network‑wide energy optimisation, demand and renewable generation forecasting, power–communications coordination, and climate services such as early warning and adaptive planning. In resource‑constrained or climate‑vulnerable contexts, ensuring model robustness, transparency, and alignment with sustainability objectives is essential. Research priorities include energy‑ and carbon‑aware model design, integration of grid and resilience metrics, and standardised evaluation methods for sustainability‑critical ML applications.
Use Cases for Energy‑Efficient Operations via AI:
Important AI applications include traffic prediction, adaptive resource management, energy‑aware RAN optimisation, and predictive network sleep modes. Cross‑layer and multi‑timescale optimisation enables maximum energy efficiency without compromising service quality.
Network Resilience Under Climate Stress:
With climate‑related disruptions increasing globally, AI‑enabled predictive maintenance, self‑healing architectures, and climate‑aware planning have become core to resilient network operations. These approaches align with UN‑led initiatives on climate services and disaster early warning systems.
Power–Communications Interdependencies:
Participants highlighted the coupling between power and communications systems, emphasising cascading‑failure scenarios and the potential of AI‑enabled digital twins for joint optimisation. These perspectives align with ITU frameworks on digital public infrastructure and smart sustainable cities, which stress interoperability across physical and digital systems.
Sustainable AI and Hardware–Software Co‑Design:
Effective climate action depends on co‑optimising physical and digital infrastructure—from data centres and energy systems to ML models and orchestration layers. Sustainable network intelligence requires energy‑efficient algorithms, hardware‑aware deployment, and system‑level governance. The approach aligns with ITU’s Green Digital Action initiative and related efforts by ISO, IEC, UNEP, and WMO to advance standards‑driven, science‑informed digital sustainability.
Digital Public Infrastructure and Climate‑Resilient Digitalization:
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—open and interoperable systems for identity, payments, data exchange, and connectivity—was highlighted as foundational for inclusive, climate‑resilient digital transformation. Effective DPI design requires governance, risk management, and safeguards, as emphasised by UNDP and the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.
IEEE Technology Assessment Tool:
The symposium introduced an IEEE envisioning proof‑of‑concept tool to support sustainable network planning through systematic assessment of digital and energy technologies, evaluating trade‑offs across performance, sustainability, and resilience.
Importance of International Standards:
A central outcome of the symposium was recognition of the critical role of international standardization in translating technological innovation into practical, climate‑relevant impact. As telecommunications networks become increasingly software‑defined, AI‑driven, and interconnected with energy and physical infrastructure systems, standards provide the technical and governance foundations essential for interoperability, data integrity, trustworthiness, and long‑term sustainability. Presentations from global standards organizations highlighted the importance of harmonized frameworks that can minimize market fragmentation, facilitate cross‑border interoperability, and incorporate environmental and resilience criteria directly into network design, operation, and lifecycle management.
Standards were identified as key to scalable, trustworthy AI deployment, with interoperability and data governance central to ITU‑T Study Group 5’s agenda.
Sessions also reinforced the importance of equitable access—advancing AI‑assisted network planning and cost‑efficient deployment in climate‑vulnerable regions to balance sustainability, affordability, and inclusion.The symposium further emphasized the need for a system‑level approach, recognizing that telecommunications networks operate as integral components within broader energy, transport, and urban infrastructure ecosystems. In this context, AI and machine learning increasingly serve as coordinating layers across hardware, software, and physical assets, enabling cross‑domain optimization. Standardization plays a crucial enabling role by aligning interfaces, performance metrics, and assessment methodologies across sectors, thereby supporting coherent operation of digital and physical systems under conditions of resource constraint, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate stress.
Implications for IEEE Communications Society:
For IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) members, discussions highlighted a dual responsibility and opportunity. There is a responsibility to ensure future communications networks are designed to minimize environmental impact, maintain resilience under climate extremes, and promote equitable access to essential connectivity and data sharing.
Simultaneously, there is an opportunity for researchers and practitioners to contribute technical evidence, performance models, and quantitative metrics that inform and advance international standardization.
By maintaining sustained collaboration among research institutions, industry stakeholders, standards bodies, and policy entities—and engaging with the broader frameworks of global climate and sustainable‑development governance—the telecom community can play a defining role in enabling energy‑efficient, climate‑aware, and resilient digital infrastructure worldwide.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
References:
[1] M. Koch and UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (UN CTCN), “Maximizing Emerging Trends in Locally-Led AI Solutions for Climate Action,” SDG Knowledge Hub, International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025.
https://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/maximizing-emerging-trends-in-locally-led-ai-solutions-for-climate-action/
[2] M. Koch, “Stakeholder asset-mapping of climate technology infrastructures,” Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2025.
DOI: 10.1038/s43017-025-00737-z
[3] World Meteorological Organization, Early Warnings for All: Executive Action Plan 2023–2027, WMO, Geneva, 2023.
https://wmo.int/media/magazine-article/overview-of-early-warnings-all-executive-action-plan-2023-2027
[4] United Nations Environment Programme, Global Climate Risk Assessment Framework, UNEP, Nairobi, 2023.
https://www.unepfi.org/themes/climate-change/2023-climate-risk-landscape/
[5] ITU, WMO, UNEP, and UNFCCC, Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions, United Nations, Geneva. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/extcoop/ai4resilience/Pages/default.aspx
[6] ITU-T Study Group 5, Work Programme on Environment, Climate Action, Circular Economy and Electromagnetic Fields, International Telecommunication Union, Geneva.
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/studygroups/2022-2024/05/
[7] International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Cities and Communities, ITU, Geneva, 2025.
https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/tut/T-TUT-SMARTCITY-2025-9-PDF-E.pdf
[8] International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change (T-TUT-ICT-2020-02), ITU, Geneva, 2020.
https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/tut/T-TUT-ICT-2020-02-PDF-E.pdf
[9] International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Smart Sustainable Cities and Digital Infrastructure Frameworks, ITU, Geneva, 2025.
https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/tut/T-TUT-SMARTCITY-2025-6-PDF-E.pdf
[10] International Telecommunication Union, Green Digital Action, ITU, Geneva.
https://www.itu.int/initiatives/green-digital-action/
[11] World Bank Group, Digital Public Infrastructure and Development: A World Bank Group Approach, Washington, DC, 2025.
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/cca2963e-27bf-4dbb-aa5a-24a0ffc92ed9
[12] United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies and United Nations Development Programme, DPI Safeguards Initiative. https://www.dpi-safeguards.org
……………………………………………………………………………………..
About Marta Koch:
Marta Koch is an IEEE member, PhD Researcher and Teaching Facilitator at Imperial College London, Research Associate at the Oxford Computational Political Science Group at the University of Oxford and Research Consultant at UNOPS. She has been nominated as research delegate to UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNEP, UNDESA, UNIDO and ITU meetings.
Part I: Outcomes from the IEEE–ITU Sustainable Climate Symposium
IEEE–International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Symposium: Achieving a Sustainable Climate 2025 Outcomes: Capitalizing on AI for Energy-Efficient and Climate Resilient Telecommunications Networks
By Marta Koch, IEEE Europe Member & PhD Researcher & Teaching Facilitator, Imperial College London with Alan J Weissberger, IEEE Techblog Content Manager
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two part article summarizing this ITU-IEEE Symposium. The second article is here.
Introduction:
Telecommunications networks are increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure for both economic development and societal resilience. As climate change accelerates and energy systems undergo rapid transformation, the telecoms sector faces a dual challenge: 1.] Reducing its own environmental footprint while ensuring reliable connectivity under growing physical, climatic, and 2.] Systemic stress.
These two themes were the focus of the IEEE–International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Symposium on Achieving a Sustainable Climate, which was held in December 2025 at the ITU headquarters in Geneva.
The symposium convened researchers, industry leaders, standards bodies, and United Nations agencies to examine how digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging ICT solutions can support the energy transition and climate mitigation and adaptation, and the governance and standardisation developments needed to effectively and sustainably leverage this technology globally.
As an Imperial College London researcher and IEEE member, I attended the symposium as part of ongoing work at the intersection of telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and climate action, with a focus on the governance, design, and deployment of AI-enabled systems for climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as the environmental and systems-level sustainability of AI-driven digital infrastructure.
Organization and Collaboration:
The symposium was co-organized by the ITU Telecom Standardization Bureau (ITU-T) and ITU T Study Group 5, which focuses on environment, climate action, circular economy, and electromagnetic fields. This collaboration underscored the central role of international standardization in shaping sustainable, climate-resilient ICT systems and provided a strong standards-oriented framework for discussions on AI deployment, energy efficiency, and network resilience [6].
Symposium photo courtesy of the ITU
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Key Discussion Themes:
Across plenary sessions, thematic panels and case studies, several cross-cutting issues emerged:
- Expanding role of AI and machine learning (ML) in enabling more energy-efficient, resilient, and inclusive telecommunications networks.
- The role of the ICT sector in accelerating decarbonisation and strengthening climate adaptation, particularly in support of the global energy transition
- Interactions between physical and digital infrastructure systems, including electrification and communications, as enablers of circular economy models
- Digital and AI standardisation as foundations for sustainable, climate-resilient development and place- and people-based outcomes
- Intersections between decarbonisation, electrification, circularity, digital access, and equity
- Public–private collaboration models supporting climate finance, eco-design, and scalable deployment in climate-vulnerable and developing regions.
International Policy Governance Perspectives at the Symposium:
The symposium featured strong representation from international organisations, grounding technical discussions in policy, standards, finance, and real-world deployment realities across the ICT, energy, and climate domains.
ITU delegates Tomas Lamanauskas, Seizo Onoe, Bilel Jamoussi, and Dominique Würges emphasized the importance of aligning global mandates with local needs in sustainable ICT ecosystems.
The following are essential to both decarbonization and resilient digital infrastructure: robust standards, interoperability, and AI governance frameworks (particularly those addressing environmental sustainability, circular economy principles, and responsible management of electromagnetic fields). That message was consistent with the opening plenary’s framing of international policy, eco-design, and circularity as foundational for practical deployment.
Energy and electrification perspectives were discussed by Dario Liguti of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and Norela Constantinescu of the International Renewable Energy Agency. They highlighted the global energy transition focus on both progress and persistent gaps in decarbonization and electrification. Coordinated planning between energy systems and telecommunications can significantly improve resilience, system efficiency, and equity for climate-adaptive services.
Industrial deployment and logistics viewpoints were provided by Luca Longo of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Yaxuan Chen of the Universal Postal Union. They described how integrated ICT and energy solutions could enhance operational outcomes, sustainability, and service delivery across industrial and sectoral contexts. Cross-sector collaboration was identified as a critical enabler of scalable impact.
Standards alignment was discussed by Matthew Doherty of the International Electrotechnical Commission and Noelia García Nebra of the International Organization for Standardization. They reinforced the essential need for international standards frameworks for translating research and innovation into deployable, interoperable solutions. This theme resonated strongly with the standards session’s emphasis on practical tools to support sustainable, climate-resilient outcomes across markets and regions.
Financing and digital innovation perspectives were contributed by Seth Ayers of the World Bank, who highlighted how digital and AI-enabled approaches can help unlock finance, de-risk investment, and expand access to sustainable energy and connectivity solutions in underserved and marginalised contexts, supporting climate resilience and inclusive growth.
Disaster risk reduction and emergency management perspectives were contributed by Yuji Maeda of NTT, Inc., Maeda-son highlighted how advanced aerial technologies and environmental sensing can be used to mitigate the impacts of extreme natural events. He shared ground-breaking research at NTT in Japan demonstrating the world’s first drone designed to act as a “flying lightning rod”, an invention selected by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025. They are using a protective Faraday cage and a conductive tether to deliberately trigger and safely redirect lightning strikes away from critical infrastructure, illustrating the potential for drone-enabled systems to improve emergency response, infrastructure protection, and climate resilience.
Innovation diffusion was addressed by Heather Jacobs of WIPO GREEN, who underscored the importance of technology transfer, matchmaking platforms, and collaboration mechanisms in scaling affordable and climate-relevant digital and energy technologies. Her remarks highlighted the symposium’s focus on public–private partnerships and global deployment pathways.
A European Green Digital Coalition case study was presented by Ilias Iakovidis of the European Commission Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. He highlighted the development and deployment of a scientific methodology to assess the Net Carbon Impact of ICT solutions. His contribution demonstrated how digitalisation’s sustainability benefits can be quantified and scaled through coordinated industry engagement, financial sector alignment, and evidence-based deployment guidelines.
The growing Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions was presented by Elena Xoplaki, Vice-Chair of the UN ITU, WMO, and UNEP Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards. She explained how AI, data integration, and resilient telecommunications networks underpin multi-hazard early warning systems and climate risk reduction efforts worldwide [5].
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Part II. of this report, listing all references, is here.
About Marta Koch:
Marta Koch is an IEEE member, PhD Researcher and Teaching Facilitator at Imperial College London, Research Associate at the Oxford Computational Political Science Group at the University of Oxford and Research Consultant at UNOPS. She has been nominated as research delegate to UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNEP, UNDESA, UNIDO and ITU meetings.
Her research and consultancy work focuses on digital and AI governance, development and deployment for climate action and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on climate technology digital and physical infrastructures and the sustainability of AI and digitalisation. Her research has been funded by the United Nations, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the UK Science & Technology Network (STN) under the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, and endorsed by the UNESCO International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.
ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.EVAL] & ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.SUBMISSION] reports: Evaluation & Submission Guidelines for 6G RIT/SRITs (6G)
Backgrounder:
As stated for years in IEEE Techblog posts, ITU-R Working Party 5D (WP 5D) is responsible for all International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) terrestrial radio interface technology (RIT/SRIT) reports and standards, e.g. 3G, 4G, 5G (IMT 2020) and 6G (IMT 2030).
5D has developed the minimum technical performance requirements and the evaluation criteria for IMT 2020 (5G) and will do so now for IMT 2030 (6G) along with other reports and standards described in this article
While any ITU member can propose IMT 2030 RIT/SRIT candidate standards, it is expected that they will principally come from 3GPP which contributes their specs to 5D via ATIS.
Standards for the non-radio aspects of 5G (e.g. core network, security, network slicing, etc) and 6G were supposed to be promulgated by ITU-T, but 3GPP (which develops those specifications) years ago decided NOT to liaise their specs with ITU-T.
–>Please see References at the bottom of this article for more information.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.EVAL] – 6G RIT/SRIT Evaluation Criteria:
The 5D WG Technology aspects/SWG Evaluation is working on a report which will provide guidelines for the procedure, the methodology and the criteria (technical, spectrum and service) to be used in evaluating the candidate IMT-2030 radio interface technologies (RITs) or Set of RITs (SRITs) for a number of test environments. These test environments are chosen to closely simulate more stringent radio operating environments.
The evaluation procedure is designed in such a way that the overall performance of the candidate RITs/SRITs may be fairly and equally assessed on a technical basis. It ensures that the overall IMT-2030 objectives are met. This Report provides, for proponents, developers of candidate RITs/SRITs and independent evaluation groups, the common evaluation methodology and evaluation configurations to evaluate the candidate RITs/SRITs and system aspects impacting the radio performance.
–>This report is scheduled to be finalized at the WP 5D Meeting No. 52 (Geneva, 27 May-5 June 2026).
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.SUBMISSION] – 6G RIT/SRIT Submission Guidelines:
The draft new 5D Report ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.SUBMISSION], originating from the 5D July 2025 meeting, defines the submission guidelines, templates, and evaluation methodology for 6G Radio Interface Technologies (RITs/SRITs). The report focuses on enabling technology proposals for IMT-2030 which are to be submitted from February 2027 to February 2029 for 5D evaluation and approval.
- Submission & Evaluation Guidelines: The report serves as the official guide for submitting candidate Radio Interface Technologies (RITs) or Sets of Radio Interface Technologies (SRITs) for IMT-2030.
- Structure: It is modeled after earlier reports like M.2411 (for 5G), defining the evaluation criteria, procedures, and templates for 6G technologies.
- Technical Requirements: It outlines minimum performance requirements (MPRs) for 6G, including advanced capabilities like artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, and joint requirements.
- Timeline: The report is central to the 2027-2030 timeline, aiming for the first submissions at the 54th WP 5D meeting (Feb 2027) and final submission by early 2029.
- Context: It aligns with the ITU-R M.2160 framework (the “6G Vision”), which encompasses six usage scenarios: immersive communication, hyper-reliable low-latency communication, massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity, AI-integrated communication, and integrated sensing and communication.
WP 5D Workplan for IMT 2030 RIT/SRITs:
As previously noted, 5D will accept and evaluate IMT 2030 candidate RIT/SRIT submissions starting at 54th meeting of WP 5D, currently planned for February 2027. The final deadline for submissions is 12 calendar days prior to the start of the 59th meeting of WP 5D in February 2029. The evaluation of the proposed RITs/SRITs by the independent evaluation groups and the consensus-building process will be performed throughout this two year time period and thereafter. Subsequent calendar schedules will be decided according to the submissions of proposals to 5D.
WP 5D meetings in 2030 will focus on the final stages of evaluating, adopting, and approving 6G technology submissions, aiming for approval of the final IMT-2030 recommendation in late 2030. The 5D tentative meeting schedule for 2030:
- Meeting No. 62 (February 2030): 1 Finalize Addendum 6 to Circular Letter taking into account the draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT-2030. OUTCOME]. 2 Review and update the work plan, if necessary.
- Meeting No. 63 (June 2030): 1 Develop and finalize Addendum 7 to Circular Letter taking into account completion of the draft new Recommendation ITU-R M.[IMT 2030.SPECS].
- Meeting No. 63 (October 2030): Finalize standards before potential approval by ITU-R SG 5 in November 2030 or early 2031.
References:
ITU-R WP 5D Meeting Reports (TIES access required)
https://www.itu.int/en/events/Pages/Calendar-Events.aspx?sector=ITU-R&group=R23-WP5D
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2030/pages/default.aspx
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2030/Pages/submission-eval.aspx
Roles of 3GPP and ITU-R WP 5D in the IMT 2030/6G standards process
ITU-R WP 5D Timeline for submission, evaluation process & consensus building for IMT-2030 (6G) RITs/SRITs
ITU-R WP5D IMT 2030 Submission & Evaluation Guidelines vs 6G specs in 3GPP Release 20 & 21
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
ITU-R WP 5D reports on: IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements; Evaluation Criteria & Methodology
ITU-R: IMT-2030 (6G) Backgrounder and Envisioned Capabilities
Verizon’s 6G Innovation Forum joins a crowded list of 6G efforts that may conflict with 3GPP and ITU-R IMT-2030 work
Ericsson and e& (UAE) sign MoU for 6G collaboration vs ITU-R IMT-2030 framework
ITU-R WP5D invites IMT-2030 RIT/SRIT contributions
NGMN issues ITU-R framework for IMT-2030 vs ITU-R WP5D Timeline for RIT/SRIT Standardization
IMT-2030 Technical Performance Requirements (TPR) from ITU-R WP5D
Should Peak Data Rates be specified for 5G (IMT 2020) and 6G (IMT 2030) networks?
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): market, specifications & standards in 3GPP and ITU-R
Introduction:
A recent survey showed that Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are viewed by the telecom industry as reinforcing service reliability and adding an extra layer of network redundancy to 5G. This view increasingly makes the convergence of satellites and 5G (and fiber) a mainstream application in telecoms. With LEO constellation service revenues forecast to reach $15 billion next year, the industry is expected to experience unprecedented growth.
However, that growth will depend on interoperability to realize economies of scale. To achieve that goal NTN standards, regulatory and policy frameworks must evolve to keep pace and ensure equitable access to space for all. As such, we examine the status and future NTN work in 3GPP and ITU-R in this article.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) has established NTNs as a key part of 5G and future 6G by defining standards in Release 17, which introduced support for satellites and High-Altitude Platforms (HAPS) for direct-to-device (D2D) communication, enabling ubiquitous connectivity. Current work in Release 18 and beyond (including ongoing Release 19 studies) focuses on enhancing performance, expanding spectrum, improving security, and integrating NTNs seamlessly with terrestrial networks for better resource management, leading towards a unified, hybrid telecom ecosystem for global coverage.
- Release 15 & 16 (Foundational): Established NTN use cases, system architectures, and channel models for satellite-based systems.
- Release 17 (First Standardized Release): Introduced the first normative specifications for 5G NR and NB-IoT NTNs, covering GEO and LEO/MEO satellites, addressing technical hurdles like propagation delay and Doppler shift for mass-market devices.
- Release 18 (Enhancements): Studied security aspects, improved 5G NR NTN for higher frequencies (above 10 GHz), and focused on resource management for efficient integration.
- Release 19 & Beyond (Ongoing): Continues to evolve NTNs, introducing features like regenerative payloads, Ku-band support, and further integration for future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks, with studies on 6G architecture.
- Hybrid Networks: Creating a unified framework for seamless terrestrial and non-terrestrial operation.
- Direct-to-Device (D2D) Evolution: Expanding services beyond basic IoT to support smartphones for voice and data in remote areas.
- Technical Refinements: Addressing RF performance, spectrum coordination, and operational complexity for LEO/MEO systems.
- 6G Foundation: Building architectural principles for ubiquitous connectivity that will underpin future 6G systems.
The International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Working Party 4B is actively shaping NTN’s by developing reports and recommendations to integrate satellites (LEO, MEO, GEO) and High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) with 5G and future 6G cellular networks. The aim is to enable ubiquitous coverage, Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, and seamless hybrid networks, with ongoing work focusing on radio interface specifications, spectrum harmonization, and performance enhancements for reliable connectivity.
- Standardization: ITU-R is finalizing Recommendation ITU-R M.IMT-2020-SAT.SPECS (based on 3GPP’s Release 17/18 specs) to standardize 5G satellite-to-ground communication, supporting IoT and advanced mobile services.
- Working Groups: WP 4B (Satellite services) and other groups are key to defining NTN requirements, spectrum usage, and interoperability.
- Focus Areas:
- Hybrid Networks: Creating seamless service continuity between terrestrial and space/aerial segments.
- Direct-to-Device (D2D): Enabling smartphones to connect directly to satellites.
- Spectrum: Harmonizing spectrum for NTNs, including Ku-band, for expanded services.
- Performance: Addressing challenges like Doppler shift, propagation delay, and handover management for LEO/MEO constellations.
- 3GPP is a crucial partner, introducing NTN frameworks in Release 17 (IoT) and Release 18 (enhanced 5G), with continuous updates for 6G and beyond, closely coordinating with ITU-R.
- ITU-R’s reports discuss future trends, including AI-driven interfaces, diverse terminals (wearables, implants), and the role of NTNs in achieving global, resilient connectivity, supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
References:
https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/gsma_resources/non-terrestrial-networks-opportunities-and-challenges/
https://www.telecoms.com/satellite/key-non-terrestrial-network-developments-in-2025
https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/ntn-overview
Telecoms.com’s survey: 5G NTNs to highlight service reliability and network redundancy
ITU-R recommendation IMT-2020-SAT.SPECS from ITU-R WP 5B to be based on 3GPP 5G NR-NTN and IoT-NTN (from Release 17 & 18)
Standards are the key requirement for telco/satellite integration: D2D and satellite-based mobile backhaul
GSMAi: key telecom developments in 2025; major trends to watch in 2026
Deutsche Telekom: successful completion of the 6G-TakeOff project with “3D networks”
AST SpaceMobile to deliver U.S. nationwide LEO satellite services in 2026
MTN Consulting: Satellite network operators to focus on Direct-to-device (D2D), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based services
Samsung announces 5G NTN modem technology for Exynos chip set; Omnispace and Ligado Networks MoU
ITU-R WP 5D Timeline for submission, evaluation process & consensus building for IMT-2030 (6G) RITs/SRITs
The ITU-R WP 5D schedule described below applies to the first invitation for IMT 2030 candidate RITs [1] or SRITs [2]
[1] RIT =Radio Interface Technology [2] SRITs =Set of RITs. That terminology was used for IMT 2020 and the IMT 2150 recommendation
Submission of proposals may begin at 54th meeting of Working Party (WP) 5D, currently planned for February 2027. The final deadline for submissions is 1600 hours UTC, 12 calendar days prior to the start of the 59th meeting of WP 5D in February 2029.
The evaluation of the proposed RITs/SRITs by the independent evaluation groups and the consensus-building process will be performed throughout this time period and thereafter. Subsequent calendar schedules will be decided according to the submissions of proposals.
References:
https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/oth/0a/06/R0A060000C80001PDFE.pdf
https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.2150/en
ITU-R WP5D IMT 2030 Submission & Evaluation Guidelines vs 6G specs in 3GPP Release 20 & 21
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
ITU-R WP 5D reports on: IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements; Evaluation Criteria & Methodology
ITU-R: IMT-2030 (6G) Backgrounder and Envisioned Capabilities
Verizon’s 6G Innovation Forum joins a crowded list of 6G efforts that may conflict with 3GPP and ITU-R IMT-2030 work
Ericsson and e& (UAE) sign MoU for 6G collaboration vs ITU-R IMT-2030 framework
ITU-R WP5D invites IMT-2030 RIT/SRIT contributions
NGMN issues ITU-R framework for IMT-2030 vs ITU-R WP5D Timeline for RIT/SRIT Standardization
IMT-2030 Technical Performance Requirements (TPR) from ITU-R WP5D
Should Peak Data Rates be specified for 5G (IMT 2020) and 6G (IMT 2030) networks?
Key Objectives of WG Technology Aspects at ITU-R WP 5D meeting June 24-July 3, 2025
ITU-R WP 5D is responsible for the overall radio system aspects of the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems, comprising the current IMT-2000, IMT-Advanced and IMT-2020 as well as IMT for 2030 and beyond. Note that 5D’s work is only for terrestrial radio access network interfaces. It does not include 5G or 6G Core network or satellite network access.
ITU-R WP5D Technology Aspects Working Group (WG) consists of several Sub Working Groups (SWGs):
SWG IMT SPECIFICATIONS, SWG EVALUATION, SWG RADIO ASPECTS, SWG IMT UNWANTED EMISSIONS, SWG IMT COORDINATION
Key objectives of WG Technology Aspects at their June 24-July 3, 2025 meeting include:
- Continue revising Recommendation ITU-R M.2150-2 (5G) and Recommendation ITU‑R M.2012-6 (IMT Advanced aka 4G), including consideration of further revision based on contribution;
- Continue working on revision of Document IMT-2030/2 “Process” – submission, evaluation process and consensus building process for IMT-2030;
- Start to work on candidate technology submission template for IMT-2030 (6G);
- Continue working on Report ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.TECH PERF REQ] – minimum requirements related to technical performance for IMT-2030 radio interface(s);
- Continue working on Report ITU-R M.[IMT-2030.EVAL] – Guidelines for evaluation of radio interface technologies for IMT-2030;
- Continue working on Report ITU-R M.[IMT-TROPO DUCT MITIGATION] – Mitigation of interference for IMT network under tropospheric ducting effect;
- Continue working on the documents of unwanted emission characteristics of base/mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2020.
Backgrounder on IMT 2030 (6G):
Recommendation ITU R M.2160 ‒ “Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2030 and Beyond” identifies IMT-2030 capabilities which aim to make IMT-2030 (6G) more capable, flexible, reliable and secure than previous IMT systems when providing diverse and novel services in the intended six usage scenarios, including immersive communication, hyper reliable and low latency communication (HRLLC), massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity, artificial intelligence and communication, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC).
IMT-2030 can be considered from multiple perspectives, including users, manufacturers, application developers, network operators, verticals, and service and content providers. Therefore, it is recognized that technologies for IMT-2030 can be applied in a variety of deployment scenarios and can support a range of environments, service capabilities, and technology options.
IMT-2030 is also expected to be built on overarching aspects which act as design principles commonly applicable to all usage scenarios. These distinguishing design principles of the IMT‑2030 are including, but are not limited to sustainability, security and resilience, connecting the unconnected for providing universal and affordable access to all users independent of the location, and ubiquitous intelligence for improving overall system performance.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
References:
ITU-R WP 5D reports on: IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements; Evaluation Criteria & Methodology
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
ITU-R WP 5D reports on: IMT-2030 (“6G”) Minimum Technology Performance Requirements; Evaluation Criteria & Methodology
Ericsson and e& (UAE) sign MoU for 6G collaboration vs ITU-R IMT-2030 framework
ITU-R: IMT-2030 (6G) Backgrounder and Envisioned Capabilities
ITU-R WP5D invites IMT-2030 RIT/SRIT contributions
NGMN issues ITU-R framework for IMT-2030 vs ITU-R WP5D Timeline for RIT/SRIT Standardization
NGMN: 6G Key Messages from a network operator point of view
IMT-2030 Technical Performance Requirements (TPR) from ITU-R WP5D
Draft new ITU-R recommendation (not yet approved): M.[IMT.FRAMEWORK FOR 2030 AND BEYOND]
ITU Journal: NexGen Computer Communications & Networks
These solutions can include network optimization, effective data management, cognitive computing, block-chain solutions, and unconventional hardware and software design and implementation.
-
Network optimization:This can involve using techniques such as traffic engineering, load balancing, and caching to improve the performance of networks.
-
Effective data management:This can involve using techniques such as data compression, data encryption, and data analytics to improve the efficiency and security of data storage and transmission.
-
Cognitive computing:This can involve using techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the ability of networks to learn from data and make decisions autonomously.
-
Block-chain solutions:This can involve using techniques such as distributed ledgers and smart contracts to improve the security and transparency of networks.
-
Unconventional hardware and software design and implementation:This can involve using techniques such as open source software, software-defined networking, and network function virtualization to improve the flexibility and scalability of networks.
| Issue 1 – Editorial Volume 5 (2024), Issue 1 Enhancing user experience in home networks with machine learning-based classification Adaptive HELLO protocol for vehicular networks On the extraction of RF fingerprints from LSTM hidden-state values for robust open-set detection Unsupervised representation learning for BGP anomaly detection using graph auto-encoders A framework for automating environmental vulnerability analysis of network services Automated Wi-Fi intrusion detection tool on 802.11 networks Optimizing IoT security via TPM integration: An energy efficiency case study for node authentication |
