Islamabad, Sep 26: As the world gears up for the shift to 6G, industry experts are reflecting on the ITU’s IMT-2030 Vision framework, which is a collaborative effort among industry, government, and academia.
This initiative aims to guide the development of 6G, focusing on technologies and standards that will shape the future of mobile communications.
Key Technologies for 6G
The IMT-2030 Vision outlines critical technologies such as enhanced mobile broadband and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) technologies. These will form the foundation of 6G by enabling seamless connectivity across multiple devices and systems.
Karri Kuoppamaki, SVP of Advanced and Emerging Technologies at T-Mobile, emphasized the collaborative nature of the framework, highlighting its potential to unlock economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, security, and sustainability, while maintaining global leadership in technological advancements.
AI and Machine Learning in 6G
A major driver of 6G is the integration of AI and machine learning into network operations. These technologies will enable real-time optimization of networks, supporting massive machine-type communications and hyper-reliable low-latency communications.
Viet Nguyen, VP of Technology at 5G Americas, noted that 6G will transform interactions with technology, impacting industries like:
- Entertainment: Ultra-immersive, high-definition experiences.
- Education: Advanced virtual classrooms and remote learning.
- Healthcare: Real-time remote surgeries and diagnostics.
- Manufacturing: Highly adaptive and automated production lines.
Spectrum Allocation and Global Standards
A key focus for 6G development is the need for new spectrum bands in the upper mid-band and centimetre-wave frequencies to support high-bandwidth applications.
The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) has already identified several spectrum bands for IMT, with more to be studied for future use.
Looking forward, WRC-27 presents an opportunity for the Americas to propose new spectrum bands and play a leading role in shaping 6G technologies.
Security and Sustainability in 6G Networks
Security is another critical aspect of 6G, as the integration of AI across network layers will enable real-time threat detection and automated responses to cyberattacks. Additionally, 6G emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly network deployments.
Global Collaboration and Future Steps
To stay competitive in the 6G ecosystem, regions must actively participate in global efforts to harmonize technical standards and policies. In the US, initiatives like the National Spectrum Strategy and the NSF RINGS partnership are already underway to foster collaboration and innovation.
As Ali Khayrallah, Senior Technical Advisor at Ericsson, pointed out, the IMT-2030 framework provides a crucial roadmap for transforming industries and societies, emphasizing that 6G is about more than just faster networks—it’s about creating new ways for societies to connect and grow in the digital age.
