ITU-R WP 5D
ITU-R WP5D IMT 2030 Submission & Evaluation Guidelines vs 6G specs in 3GPP Release 20 & 21
Like previous generations of international mobile telecommunications (IMT) recommendations, ITU-R defines the 6G terrestrial radio access network requirements while 3GPP develops the standardized technology specifications that will be the project’s candidate to the ITU-R process. The target date for “Technology proposals for IMT-2030 RIT/SRITs” has been defined by ITU-R to be early 2029, and resulting specifications (i.e. full system definition) are to be submitted by mid-2030 at the latest. 3GPP contributions to ITU-R WP 5D are made via ATIS – its North American partner standards organization. That is effectively how IMT 2020 RIT/SRIT became standardized in ITU-R M.2150 (5G RIT/SRITs).
At it’s July 2025 meeting in Japan, ITU-R WP 5D generated an outline of a working document that, when completed, will specify the requirements, evaluation criteria and submission templates for the development of IMT-2030 recommendation(s) sometime in 2030. The structure of this working document is based on Report ITU-R M.2411, and the sections and contents of each section are to be further discussed. This meeting also discussed 16 contributions on evaluation guidelines for IMT-2030 and that working document was updated
Meanwhile, 3GPP has concluded that two 3GPP Releases are needed to specify 6G: Release 20 for Studies and Release 21 for the normative work that will produce 6G specs. Technical studies on the 6G radio interface and 6G core network architecture within the RAN and SA Working Group to start in June 2025. Release 21 will be the official start of normative 6G work.
Juan Montojo, Qualcomm’s vice president of technical standards, told Light Reading that all of today’s 3GPP 6G contributors are committed. “I can say I’m very confident that every player that comes to the 3GPP is a full believer in the value of having a single, global standard,” he told Light Reading. “I’ve not seen any exception, or any [other] indication.” 3GPP Release 20 lays an important foundation for 6G, said Montojo in a blog post.
Huawei had way more delegates attending 3GPP 5G sessions than any other company which raised concerns that the company might exert undue influence on the development of 3GPP 5G specs to its advantage. However, it has now become much harder for companies from a particular region to dominate proceedings, according to Montojo. “There are very recent decisions where working group officials cannot all come from the same region,” he explained. The system has also been changed so that companies with operations in multiple geographies, such as Huawei and Qualcomm, cannot claim to be from any region except that of their headquarters, Montojo said.
Future 6G Patents:
While the standardization process remains open to new entrants, the likelihood is that 6G’s ultimate patent owners will be drawn heavily from the ranks of today’s 5G network equipment vendors, chipmakers and smartphone companies that actively participate at 3GPP and ITU-R meetings. Several independent assessments forecast that Qualcomm and Huawei will likely remain at or near the top for the forthcoming 6G related patents,. In January, a LexisNexis study ranked Huawei first in 5G based on patent ownership and standards contributions. A separate LexisNexis ranking called the Patent Asset Index, which attempted to score organizations based on the value of their patents, gave the top spot to Qualcomm. In 2024, patent licensing accounted for only 14% of Qualcomm’s revenues but ~39% of its pre-tax earnings.
- Huawei (China): Huawei holds a significant share of 5G patents and is actively developing 6G technology, according to Williams IP Law. They are also a strong contributor to 5G technical standards.
- Qualcomm (US): Qualcomm is evolving its research from 4G and 5G towards 6G, holding a notable percentage of global 5G patents. They are also a major player in software-defined network solutions for 6G.
- Samsung (South Korea): Samsung is a prominent player in 5G patent ownership and is leading efforts in 6G standardization, including chairing the ITU-R 6G Vision Group. They are also investing heavily in terahertz communication technologies for 6G.
- Ericsson (Sweden): Ericsson is recognized for its strong 5G patent portfolio and contributions to technical standards. They are actively engaged in 6G research and development, including collaborations and investments in areas like network compute fabric and trustworthy systems.
- Nokia (Finland): Nokia is another key player in 5G patent ownership and a significant contributor to 5G technical standards. They identified key technologies for 6G early on and are actively testing and setting 6G standards through collaborations and research labs.
Higher Spectrum Bands for 6G:
Much of the industry’s recent attention has been captured by the upper 6GHz band and the 7GHz to 15GHz range. Unfortunately, signals do not travel as far or penetrate walls and other obstacles as effectively in these higher bands. To compensate, 6G’s active antenna systems are set to include four times as many elements as today’s most advanced 5G technologies, according to Montojo.
“It is part of the requirement in 3GPP to reduce the site grid of the existing C-band,” he said. “You would not want to require a densification beyond the levels that we currently have but can actually guarantee reuse of the site grid of the C-band into these higher bands.” Some analysts, however, remain dubious. A so-called massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) radio loaded with an even bigger number of antennas is likely to be expensive, meaning the deployment of 6G for mass-market mobile services in higher spectrum bands might not be economically viable.
6G Core Network (3GPP only- no ITU involvement):
“The best-case scenario, and I would say default scenario, is that 6G radio will be connected to 6G core as basically the standards-based approach,” said Montojo. “What 6G core will be is TBD, but there is a lot of desire from the operator community to have a 6G core that is an evolved 5G core with some level, to be defined, of backwards compatibility.”
Here’s an AI generated speculation on the 6G core network to be specified by 3GPP in Release 21:
- AI and Machine Learning (ML) will be fundamental to the 6G core, moving beyond supplementary roles to become an inherent part of the network’s design and operation.
- Every network function may be AI-powered, enabling advanced decision-making, predictive maintenance, and real-time optimization.
- 6G core will be designed to support the full lifecycle of AI components, including data collection, model training, validation, deployment, and performance monitoring.
- Network slicing will evolve further in 6G, enabling even more flexible, customized, and isolated network slices tailored to the diverse requirements of emerging applications.
- The 6G core will likely leverage a streamlined, unified, and future-proof exposure framework, potentially building on the 3GPP Common API Framework (CAPIF), to enable new value creation and monetization opportunities through network service exposure to third parties.
- The 6G core will be designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, considering the growing demands and environmental impact of network operations.
- It will need to be resilient to handle high mobility conditions of devices across various networks and administrative domains, including terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) like satellites & drones.
- Security and trustworthiness will be paramount, requiring a strong emphasis on authentication, data privacy, integrity, and operational resilience.
- The 6G core will likely incorporate quantum-safe cryptography to address the threat of quantum computing.
- While many in the industry favor an evolutionary path building upon the 5G core, some in the Chinese telecom ecosystem have advocated for a completely new 6G core network architecture.
- This suggests a potential for divergence in the early stages of 6G development, with discussions and debates within 3GPP shaping the ultimate architectural choices.
In summary, the 6G core network to be specified by 3GPP is anticipated to be a highly intelligent, flexible, and efficient platform, deeply integrated with AI/ML, supporting diverse services through enhanced network slicing and exposure, while addressing critical challenges in security, sustainability, and global connectivity.
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References:
https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies/releases/release-20
The SA1 road to 6G: https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/3gpp-news/sa1-6g-road
Introduction to 3GPP Release 19 and 6G Planning – Contains an introduction to the preparation for 6G in 3GPP: https://atis.org/webinars/introduction-to-3gpp-release-19-and-6g-planning/
Advancing 5G towards 6G, TSDSI Workshops (Jan 2023): https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/partner-news/tsdsi-workshops
https://www.lightreading.com/6g/qualcomm-is-optimistic-geopolitics-won-t-tear-6g-apart
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: 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
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]
IMT Vision – Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2030 and beyond
NGMN: 6G Key Messages from a network operator point of view
As 3GPP prepares for its Release 20 [1.], the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN) has issued a 6G Key Messages statement saying that 6G can’t be just “another generational shift” and that lessons must be learned from “the mistakes of 5G.” NGMN says that 6G must demonstrate clear, tangible benefits within a realistic techno-economic framework. Network Architecture needs to meet MNOs criteria for modularity, simplicity, openness, operational simplification, compatibility and interoperability, and trustworthiness while delivering economic and social sustainability. These factors are crucial to enable fast deployment and to support the development of market-aligned services that meet user demands.
“6G standards must be globally harmonized. It is expected to be built upon the features and capabilities introduced with 5G, alongside new capabilities to deliver new services and value. Such technological evolutions should be assessed with respect to their benefits versus their associated impact. 6G standards must learn from the mistakes of 5G, including multiple architecture options, features that are never used and use cases that have no market pull.”
NGMN insists that the introduction of 6G should not cost network operators more than necessary:
“The introduction of 6G should not necessitate a forced hardware refresh. While new radio equipment is required for deployment in new frequency bands, the evolution toward 6G in existing bands should primarily occur through software upgrades, ensuring a smooth transition.”
Note 1. According to 3GPP’s current planning, Release 20 will include a study phase, gathering technical input on potential 6G features, use cases, and architectural shifts. These discussions are intended to inform later specification work, likely in Release 21, aligned with the IMT-2030 submission process. See Editor’s Note below for relationship between 3GPP’s 6G work and ITU-R IMT 2030.
THE NGMN 6G KEY MESSAGES PUBLICATION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE NGMN BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN JUNE 2025:
Laurent Leboucher, Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board and Orange Group CTO and EVP Networks, explained “6G should be viewed as a seamless evolution — fully compatible with 5G and propelled by continuous software innovation. The industry must move beyond synchronised hardware/software ‘G’ cycles and embrace decoupled roadmaps: one for hardware infrastructure, guided by value-driven and sustainable investments, and another — faster and demand-led — for software-defined business capabilities addressing real needs from society.”
“Along with presenting this consolidated view to 3GPP, this publication serves as a foundation for engaging with the broader industry, driving collaboration, innovation, and strategic direction in the evolving 6G landscape,” said Anita Döhler, CEO of NGMN . “A core tenet of our message is that 6G is not treated as another generational shift for mobile technology – it must be evolutionary.”
“Network evolution is essential for addressing ever-changing societal needs. To achieve this, we need to work collectively as an industry to ensure all future networks are secure, environmentally sound, and economically sustainable,” said Luke Ibbetson, Head of Group R&D at Vodafone and NGMN Board Director.
Key Categories:
• Enhanced Human Communications includes use cases of enriched communications, such as immersive experience, telepresence and multimodal interaction. Voice services must evolve in a business sustainable manner.
• Enhanced Machine Communications reflects the growth of collaborative robotics, requiring reliable communication among robots, their environment and humans.
• Enabling Services gather use cases that require additional features such as high accuracy location, mapping, or sensing.
• Network Evolution describes aspects related to the evolution of core technologies including AI as a service, energy efficiency, and delivering ubiquitous coverage.
Requirements and Design Considerations:
• Sustainability: Minimising environmental impact, securing economic viability, and ensuring social sustainability is the key goal of 6G design.
• Trustworthiness: Ensure that security and privacy are intrinsically embedded in the 6G system to protect against threats and provide solutions that measurably demonstrate this attribute.
• Innovation: A new radio interface should demonstrate significant benefits over and above IMT-2020, as mentioned in the Radio Performance Assessment Framework publication, while considering the practical issues related to deployments in a realistic techno-economical context. It is also critical for innovation that the entirety of the upper 6 GHz band would be available to mobile networks.
Radio Performance Assessment Framework (RPAF) includes guidance for new 6G Radio Access Technologies (RAT). It emphasises that any proposed solutions must be assessed against a reasonable baseline to demonstrate meaningful performance gains.
Editor’s Note: ITU-R WP5D is the official standards body for 6G, which is known as IMT 2030. Like for 5G (IMT 2020), WP 5D sets the requirements while 3GPP develops the Radio Interface Technology (RIT and SRIT) specs which are then contributed to WP 5D by ATIS.
About the MGMN Alliance:
Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance – is a global, operator-driven leadership network established in 2006 by leading international mobile network operators (MNOs). Its mission is to ensure that next-generation mobile network infrastructure, service platforms and devices meet operators’ requirements while addressing the demands and expectations of end users.
NGMN’s vision is to provide impactful industry guidance to enable innovative, sustainable and affordable mobile telecommunication services. Key focus areas include Mastering the Route to Disaggregation, Green Future Networks and 6G, while continuing to support the full implementation of 5G.
As a global alliance of nearly 70 companies and organisations—including operators, vendors, and academia—NGMN actively incorporates the perspectives of all stakeholders. It drives global alignment and convergence of technology standards and industry initiatives to avoid fragmentation and support industry scalability.
References:
https://www.ngmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2506_NGMN_6G-Key-Messages_An-Operator-View_V1.0.pdf
NGMN calls for harmonised 6G standards to drive seamless mobile evolution on behalf of global MNOs
NGMN issues ITU-R framework for IMT-2030 vs ITU-R WP5D Timeline for RIT/SRIT Standardization
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
ITU-R WP5D invites IMT-2030 RIT/SRIT contributions
Highlights of 3GPP Stage 1 Workshop on IMT 2030 (6G) Use Cases
https://unidir.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241211_ITU-R-Update-on-WRC-and-IMT-2030.pdf
https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/m/R-REC-M.2160-0-202311-I%21%21PDF-E.pdf
Draft new ITU-R recommendation (not yet approved): M.[IMT.FRAMEWORK FOR 2030 AND BEYOND]
ITU-R M.2150-1 (5G RAN standard) will include 3GPP Release 17 enhancements; future revisions by 2025
ITU-R Recommendation M.2150 (previously known as IMT 2020) is being updated with new features for the 3GPP and ETSI-DECT 5G radio interface specifications in Annex 1, 2 and 4. This updated recommendation has been given the temporary name “M.2150-1.”
The main changes include the addition of enhanced capabilities for 3GPP 5G-SRIT (Set of Radio Interface Technologies), 3GPP 5G-RIT (Radio Interface Technology), DECT 5G-SRIT, and some consequential changes to the overview sections of the text, as well as to the Global Core Specifications.
This M.2150-1 revision is expected to be completed at ITU-R WP 5D meeting #44 which is June 13-22, 2023 in Geneva.
Annex 1: 3GPP 5G SRIT
The main purpose of this update is to align Rec. ITU-R M.2150 to the Release 17 December 2022 version of the 3GPP Specifications of 3GPP 5G-SRIT. The main features introduced in this update are:
– Addition of new modulation schemes for NB-IoT and LTE-M (LPWANs for IoT connectivity)
– The addition of new numerologies for NR;
– New logical channels and their mapping to physical channels;
– Reduced Capability (RedCap) NR devices.
Annex 2: 3GPP 5G RIT- aka “5G-NR”
The main purpose of this update is to align Rec. ITU-R M.2150 to the Release 17 December 2022 version of the 3GPP Specifications of 3GPP 5G-RIT. The main features introduced in this update are:
– The addition of new numerologies for NR
– New logical channels and their mapping to physical channels
– Reduced Capability (RedCap) NR devices.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since 3GPP Release 16 5G-NR URRLC in the RAN spec has not been completed yet, it was not submitted to 5D for inclusion in M.2150-1. Therefore, ITU M.2150-1 still does not meet the URLLC Minimum Performance Requirements specified in ITU-R M.2410. In particular, 3GPP Rel 16 URRLC in the RAN:
| 1335 | 830074 | Physical Layer Enhancements for NR Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) | NR_L1enh_URLLC | 1 | Rel-16 | R1 | 6/15/2018 | 12/22/2022 | 96% | RP-191584 |
Annex 4: DECT 5G – SRIT
The DECT 5G – SRIT consists of two components: 1.] DECT-2020 NR and 2.] 3GPP 5G-NR. The followings contain the information for each of the component RITs.
– DECT-2020 NR component RIT The original submission contained the layers up to the ‘Medium Access Control’ layer. In this update the ‘Data Link Control’ (DLC) and ‘Convergence’ (CVG) layers have been added.
– 3GPP 5G- NR component RIT. The changes are identical to those in Annex 2. The main purpose of this update is to align Rec. ITU-R M.2150 to the Release 17 December 2022 version of the 3GPP Specifications of 3GPP 5G-RIT.
• The addition of new numerologies for NR
• New logical channels and their mapping to physical channels
• Reduced Capability (RedCap) NR devices.
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ITU-R WP5D meeting #43 considered future revisions of Recommendations ITU-R M.2150 (and ITU-R M.2012) after year 2023 and prepared initial and preliminary revision schedules in which revisions of both Recommendations would be completed by the end of 2025. That may or may not include what pundits label “5G-Advanced,” which is coming from 3GPP Release 18.
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Objectives for WP5D – WG Technology Aspects at the 44th WP 5D meeting (June 12-23, 2023 in Geneva):
i) finalize preliminary draft revision “after year 2021” of Recommendation ITU-R M.2150;
ii) finalize preliminary draft revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.2012-5;
iii) finalize the Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ABOVE 100GHz];
iv) finalize preliminary draft revisions of Recommendations ITU-R M.2070-1 and ITU‑R M.2071-1 “Generic unwanted emission IMT‑Advanced”;
v) continue working on OOBE BS/MS for IMT-2020 “Generic unwanted emissions IMT‑2020.”
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References:
IMT 2020.SPECS approved by ITU-R but may not meet 5G performance requirements; no 5G frequencies (revision of M.1036); 5G non-radio aspects not included
5G Specifications (3GPP), 5G Radio Standard (IMT 2020) and Standard Essential Patents
Executive Summary: IMT-2020.SPECS defined, submission status, and 3GPP’s RIT submissions
https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-M.2410-2017
ETSI DECT-2020 approved by ITU-R WP5D for next revision of ITU-R M.2150 (IMT 2020)
https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2022-02-24-5G-Standards.aspx
https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies/releases/release-17
