The Future of Connectivity: Unpacking NGMN Alliance’s Vision for 6G Networks

In a bold move, the Network Operator community has released a comprehensive publication declaring a fundamental shift in the approach to introducing new technology generations. The 6G Position Statement, issued by NGMN, emphasizes the need for evolution in the traditional methods to ensure that the advent of 6G delivers tangible benefits to end-users, simplifies network operations, ensures sustainability, and offers compelling new experiences.

Commitment to 6G Benefits

NGMN is resolute in its dedication to ensuring that the development and implementation of 6G technology translate into tangible advantages for end-users. The emphasis will be on streamlining network operations, enhancing sustainability, and providing users with unparalleled experiences. This commitment is driven by the desire to build upon the success and foundations of 5G while embracing the transformative capabilities that 6G will offer.

Building on the foundations of 5G

Recognizing the immense achievements and breakthroughs made with 5G technology, NGMN acknowledges that the evolution to 6G will be built upon this solid foundation. Leveraging the advancements and lessons learned from the 5G era, the network operators aim to take LTE-Advanced Pro and 5G NR technologies to new heights, exploring unprecedented possibilities.

Network disaggregation and open architecture

As the industry gears up for the arrival of 6G, NGMN is actively steering the network disaggregation movement and advocating for an open, interoperable cloud-native architecture. By doing so, they aim to foster innovation, reduce dependence on proprietary systems, and bring about greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in future networks.

Vision for the Evolution to 6G

The 6G Position Statement outlines key requirements and design considerations that network operators envision as they embark on the journey towards the 6G era. These include network simplification, absolute energy reduction, network AI transformation and predictive network management, safe and resilient infrastructure, global 6G standards, and software upgrade to 6G. By articulating these guiding principles, NGMN seeks to provide clarity and direction for the industry and encourage its embrace of this transformative direction.

No compromise to existing services

One crucial aspect highlighted by NGMN is that the introduction of 6G will not necessitate a hardware refresh or compromise existing services. The network operators emphasize the importance of ensuring seamless access across mobile, fixed, and non-terrestrial networks, thereby maintaining uninterrupted service delivery for end-users.

Focusing on guidance and requirements

The release of the 6G Position Statement underscores NGMN’s commitment to providing guidance and requirements in strategic focus areas. By systematically building on each other, these focus areas aim to create a comprehensive framework that enables the successful implementation of 6G technology. Through this holistic approach, NGMN aims to drive the industry towards a future that is efficient, reliable, and forward-thinking.

Collaboration for the Benefit of Ecosystem and End-users

The 6G Position Statement is yet another testament to the collective efforts and collaboration within NGMN’s extensive partnership. With a unified goal of shaping the future of wireless networks, NGMN works closely with its partners to identify and address the end-to-end requirements for 6G technology. By leveraging the diverse expertise and perspectives within the ecosystem, NGMN ensures the delivery of the best possible outcomes for both industry stakeholders and end-users.

The publication of the 6G Position Statement by NGMN marks a significant milestone in the progression towards the next generation of wireless technology. By clearly articulating the operators’ view, NGMN provides crucial guidance and requirements to the industry, paving the way for the successful evolution to 6G. With this comprehensive document, NGMN proves once again its commitment to the ecosystem and end-users, ensuring that the future of wireless networks remains bright, innovative, and sustainable.

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