NGMN

NGMN FORUM Düsseldorf

Juliya Naumova — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:02:22 +0000

To reserve your space, kindly register your attendance.
Participation in the NGMN Forum is free and open to all employees of NGMN member organisations.

AGENDA

What is the NGMN Forum?

The NGMN Forum is a collaborative platform that brings together NGMN’s global membership — including operators, vendors, and academia — to share insights, align on key initiatives and drive innovation. Through discussions, presentations and group sessions, participants engage on topics such as network disaggregation, sustainability, and the evolution toward 6G. The Forum supports the NGMN Board and CEO by coordinating input across the membership and advancing the industry’s strategic agenda.

Not an NGMN member yet? Discover how you can help shape the future of our industry at this engaging and dynamic event.

Contact office@ngmn.org for more information or learn more here. https://www.ngmn.org/about-us/membership.html

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NGMN urges the telco ecosystem to learn the migration lessons from 5G and agree to prioritise simplification to unlock the full potential of 6G

Juliya Naumova — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:57:53 +0000

Enabling the full potential of 6G requires a different standardisation approach to prevent complexity and market confusion, alongside a smooth and cost-effective migration path with a focus on Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) as a baseline solution, according to two new Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN) industry publications.

‘6G Architecture and Migration Options – An Operator View’ evaluates multiple 6G architecture and migration options for the radio access network (RAN) and core network. The goal is to help identify the most appropriate migration choices early when it comes to simplifying networks and reducing complexity, ensuring smooth and scalable deployment.

NGMN has also released a second publication, ‘6G Deployment Timeframe Considerations – An Operator View’, providing a consolidated view from leading operators across multiple regions on the timing constraints associated with the introduction of 6G. Drawing on lessons learned from 5G standalone deployments, it emphasises the importance of allowing sufficient time to develop robust standards that meet operator requirements. Current industry perspectives suggest that commercial introduction of standardised 6G capabilities is likely to emerge in the early years of the 2030s.

Both publications have been released in conjunction with the 3GPP plenary meeting in Singapore (8-12 June).

Ahead of the June-September 2026 timeframe of the 3GPP study phase, a decisive period to establish foundations for initial 6G deployments, NGMN’s ‘6G Architecture and Migration Options – An Operator View’ urges the global industry to learn the lessons from 5G. That means converging early on a primary approach to 6G migration in order to limit fragmentation and reduce long‑term complexity across user equipment (UE), RAN and core networks.

The publication also emphasises the need for operators to prioritise further study efforts on real performance and implementation feasibility with MRSS, while acknowledging that MRSS performance needs to be enhanced compared to 4G-5G Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) and thatfurther work on MRSS efficiency such as support of Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD) spectrum will be required.

Alternative approaches including Dual Connectivity and Dual Stack solutions were also analysed against current networks and future deployment needs, but with the caveat they should only be pursued if they can tackle well‑defined deployment gaps that MRSS cannot address.

Meanwhile, ahead of 3GPP’s decision on Release 21, which will be the first announced 6G specification, NGMN’s ‘6G Deployment Timeframe Considerations – An Operator View’ highlights the need to prioritise simpler and better initial standards to unlock the full potential of 6G.

The publication also emphasises the importance of avoiding blurring the value proposition to customers and minimising migration complexity for operators. It underscores the importance for NGMN operators that high-quality specifications are completed before standardised 6G capabilities are introduced commercially. Large-scale deployments depend on the availability of a fully developed ecosystem, encompassing both network infrastructure and a broad base of compatible devices.

Laurent Leboucher, Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board and Orange Group CTO and EVP Networks, commented: “The transition to 6G will present significant opportunities, but only if the industry prioritises migration paths that build on existing network assets, minimise operational complexity and deliver tangible benefits from the earliest deployment stages. Dedicating sufficient time to this process is crucial, otherwise risking unnecessary complexity and long-term challenges, limiting the value to operators and end users.”

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, and NGMN Board Director, said: “Alongside early evaluation of migration options, it is equally critical that decisions around architecture align cost with a realistic assessment of hardware reuse and enable scalable, multi‑vendor ecosystems. Migration and architecture solutions should support interoperability, cloud‑based deployments and long‑term operational efficiency.”

Guangyi Liu, Chief Expert of China Mobile and NGMN Board Director, added: “While flexibility is important, migration options need to be limited if we are to learn the lessons from 5G that hindered time-to-market. The current promise of MRSS as a migration path for 6G deployment is clear, but for this to be realised that means ensuring there is not unnecessary complexity on networks or devices.”

Anita Döhler, CEO of NGMN, said: “6G is one of NGMN’s core areas of strategic focus and this year and next will be critical to pave the way. Decisions of today around standardisation, including migration options, will shape the entire 6G ecosystem and determine its long-term successwith regards to ability to deliver value to customers. We will continue to provide operator-driven guidance around key requirements for design considerations and network architecture evolution to support the industry in the evolving 6G landscape.”

NGMN contributes operator-driven requirements to standards organisations (SDOs) and provides impactful industry guidance to enable innovative, sustainable and affordable mobile telecommunications services.

NGMN’s latest two publications can be downloaded from here:

‘6G Architecture and Migration Options – An Operator View’*

‘6G Deployment Timeframe Considerations – An Operator View’

*This is an initial version that will evolve in the coming months in line with ongoing standardisation developments and emerging insights.

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6G Deployment Timeframe Considerations – An Operator View

Juliya Naumova — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:17:10 +0000

6G Deployment Timeframe Considerations – An Operator View

The publication provides a consolidated view on the constraints on the introduction of 6G from a timing perspective. This view comes from leading operators representing different global regions, in order to serve as useful information to the industry and the wider public. The content of this document simply collects the view of the NGMN Operator Members. The participants also acknowledge there may be different timing for introduction of the 6G technology in different regions and different countries.

Download

6G, 6G Standardisation, 6G Timeline, Operator View

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6G Architecture and Migration Options – An Operator View

Juliya Naumova — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:12:08 +0000

6G Architecture and Migration Options – An Operator View

1. June 2026

This publication examines candidate 6G architecture and migration options for the RAN and core network with the objective of narrowing choices early, minimising unnecessary complexity, and enabling a cost‑effective evolution from existing 5G networks. In particular, it discusses Multi‑RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) as the primary migration mechanism, alongside alternative approaches such as Dual Connectivity and Dual Stack solutions, highlighting their respective benefits, risks, and implications for user experience, cost, and ecosystem impact.

Download

6G, Architecture, RAN

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AI and the Automated Network

Juliya Naumova — Sat, 09 May 2026 09:47:38 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Sana Tariq will participate as a panellist at the upcoming Fierce Network virtual event on 10 June. She will join the session “Networks are the crown jewels of the AI economy”, focusing on how telecommunications operators can unlock new value in the AI era.

As AI reshapes the digital landscape, its infrastructure demands are playing directly to telco strengths. From supporting massive data volumes for AI inference to enabling IoT and edge-based applications, low-latency, high-throughput and always-on connectivity are becoming critical. Combined with assets such as distributed data centres, co-location facilities and deep operational expertise, telecoms are uniquely positioned to take a leading role in the AI economy.

📅 10 June 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT

View the agenda: https://www.fierce-network.com/fiercenetworkcom/ai-and-automated-network

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DSP Leaders World Forum 2026

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:05:42 +0000

Our CEO, Anita Döhler, is looking forward to speaking at the DSP Leaders World Forum 2026, where senior telecom and CSP leaders come together to focus on the next phase of industry transformation.

This year’s discussions centre on scaling AI into production, advancing cloud-native operations, enabling network automation, and unlocking new value through APIs.

Looking forward to sharing insights with peers from across the industry.

📍 Fairmont Windsor Park, UK
📅 19–20 May 2026

View the agenda: https://www.telecomtv.com/content/dsp-leaders-forum-agenda/
Register now 👉 https://www.telecomtv.com/content/dsp-leaders-forum/

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Mobile Network Innovation Summit

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 07 May 2026 09:19:18 +0000

We are happy to announce that Marie-Laure Lamouroux will deliver the keynote for the Energy Efficiency Innovation Stream!

Marie-Laure Lamouroux is NGMN Programme Lead for Green Future Networks and Director, Green ITN Program at Orange Innovation Network. She leads initiatives focused on sustainability, energy-optimised networks, and decarbonising telecom infrastructure within Orange Innovation.

During her keynote session at MNIS, Marie-Laure will address operator requirements guidance to further transform and achieve environmental and sustainability goals, specifically by focusing on:

Identifying challenges and requirements for Sustainable AI Telecom Networks and Resilient Networks
How NGMN is working to identify the common challenges facing mobile operators in terms of energy demands and cooling needs

View the agenda: https://mnisummit.com/agenda/

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Cloud-Native Next Chapter – Agentic AI-Based Operating Models

Juliya Naumova — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:15:02 +0000

Cloud-Native Next Chapter – Agentic AI-Based Operating Models

25. March 2026

Building on NGMN’s Cloud Native Manifesto and established cloud-native frameworks such as the Cloud Native Computing Foundation’s (CNCF’s) Cloud Native Maturity Model (CNMM), the publication introduces a structured approach to integrate Agentic AI-based capabilities into telecom operations. It defines five progressive AI adoption levels and maps them to the CNCF Cloud Native Maturity Model (CNMM) stages, enabling operators to assess their readiness and required next steps to gradually evolve towards more intelligent and autonomous network operations. For each AI adoption level, the document also provides guidance on what is required across technology, people, skills and organisational culture.

Download

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From cloud-native to autonomous networks: NGMN outlines AI-driven operating model framework

Juliya Naumova — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:10 +0000

New operator-driven guidance outlines how mobile network operators can adopt AI-based operating models to enable increasingly autonomous network operations.

The Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN) today published new guidance outlining how mobile network operators (MNOs) can evolve their cloud-native network operations towards Agentic AI-based and increasingly autonomous operating models. The publication “Cloud Native Next Chapter – Agentic AI-based Operating Models” provides a framework for Mobile Network Operators to support the adoption of Agentic AI in telecom network operating models, helping operators navigate the transformation across technology, processes, skills, and organisational culture.

Through this publication, NGMN shares guiding principles, architectural guidelines and strategic insights to help operators’ transformation and to navigate different levels of autonomy and AI adoption in cloud-native network environments.

“Agentic AI has the potential to fundamentally change how telecom networks are operated, but only if telecom operators build on the right foundations. AI adoption doesn’t happen in isolation; it depends on cloud-native maturity and a clear path to integrate autonomy without sacrificing reliability or control. That’s exactly what NGMN’s framework delivers: practical guidance to help operators embrace AI-driven operations with confidence,” said Laurent Leboucher, Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board and Orange Group CTO and EVP Networks.

The publication highlights how cloud-native maturity forms the foundation for AI-driven operations. While early stages focus on controlled experimentation and AI-assisted workflows, more advanced stages enable increasingly autonomous network management through closed-loop automation and intelligent orchestration. By aligning cloud-native maturity with AI readiness, operators can adopt AI technologies in a phased and responsible manner while balancing innovation with operational stability.

“Cloud-native adoption provides the essential foundation for integrating advanced AI into telecom operations,” said Bernard Bureau, NGMN Board Member and VP Wireless Technology & Services at TELUS. “By mapping cloud-native maturity levels to AI adoption stages, NGMN offers operators a practical framework to gradually introduce AI-enabled automation — from early experimentation to increasingly autonomous network operations.”

The publication also emphasises that the transition towards AI-driven operating models is not solely a technological shift. Successful adoption requires organisational transformation across people, processes and culture, including new skillsets, responsible AI governance and redesigned operational workflows. AI-enabled tools can support tasks such as network troubleshooting, capacity planning, and predictive operations, enabling more efficient and resilient network management.

“As Agentic AI-based technologies evolve rapidly, NGMN provides operators practical guidance on how to lever them on the transition to Agentic AI-based network operations, in a responsible and scalable way,” said Anita Döhler, CEO of the NGMN Alliance. “By outlining 5 specific stages, this publication provides a roadmap for mobile network operators to evolve their cloud-native platforms towards Agentic AI-enabled operating models, whilst setting clear objectives and measuring business outcomes.”

The full publication “Cloud Native Next Chapter – Agentic AI-based Operating Models” is available for download here.

Collaboration is key to driving the industry’s most important topics such as NGMN’s strategic pillars: Mastering the Route to Disaggregation, Green Future Networks, and 6G. NGMN therefore invites all parties across the entire value chain to join the Alliance in this important endeavour.

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Network Evolution – The Path to 6G & Sustainable AI

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:05:40 +0000

FutureNet World is the premier event where telecom network automation, AI-driven operations, and autonomous networks take centre stage, bringing together over one thousand telco professionals, CSP leaders, and technology innovators who will explore the future of intelligent networks. On day 2 of the event, NGMN leads a dedicated track on Network Evolution, covering 6G & AI, Network Simplification and Agentic AI-based operating models:

FutureNet World 2026

📅 21–22 April 2026
📍 InterContinental London – The O2, London, UK
🔗 https://futurenetworld.net/events/futurenet-world-2026/

NGMN Track: Network Evolution

📅 22 April (Day 2)
🧭 Track C: The Path to 6G & Sustainable AI
⏰ 11:20–13:00

Agenda

Network Evolution – The Path to 6G & Sustainable AI

NGMN Speakers:
Laurent Leboucher · Andrea Calvi · Konstantinos Chalkiotis · Anita Döhler

Guest Speaker:
Itsuma Tanaka, DOCOMO Euro-Labs

Moderators:
Philip Laidler, STL Partner
Ray Le Maistre, TelecomTV

Session Highlights:

Fireside Chat with the Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board
Presentation: AI Surge and its Implications for 6G
Presentation: Network Simplification and Sustainable Networks for the Future
CxO Panel: The Future Network Operator

Join us to discuss NGMN key priorities:

Operator-driven guidance toward 6G standardisation
Simplification of networks and operations
Agentic AI-based operations and cloud-native evolution
Sustainable network design

🎟️ Get your discounted pass with code:

FNWNGMN25

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