NGMN 6G DRIVERS AND VISION

NGMN has a track record in substantially paving the way for 4G and 5G being adopted by the mass-market and end-consumers globally and is best positioned to have the same impact for 6G to the whole ecosystem.

In this White Paper, the NGMN Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) identify the key drivers for 6G and outline their vision for 6G and the future transition of networks enabling differentiated services with expanded market opportunities and novel experience. Furthermore, the paper outlines the key challenges to be considered in a journey towards 6G, and emphasizes the need for a healthy and unified global ecosystem and standards.

NGMN believes that the continuing evolution of the mobile industry, and the underlying technologies, must be guided by the imperative to safeguard the three fundamental needs facing the society at large, and the telecoms industry in specific, namely:

• Societal Goals: Future technologies should contribute further to the success of a number of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as: environmental sustainability, efficient delivery of health care, reduction in poverty and inequality, improvements in public safety and privacy, support for ageing populations, and managing expanding urbanization.
• Operational Necessities: There is a strong need to make the planning, deployment, operations, management, and performance of the mobile operators’ networks more efficient.
• Market Expectations: Customer requirements need to be satisfied by offering new services and capabilities, supported by evolving technologies in a cost-effective manner.

A differentiated technology evolution is required. Any new technological development should be assessed with respect to its differentiation from 5G, and any improvements should be benchmarked, including pragmatic deployment scenarios, with the law of diminishing returns in mind.

As operators are continuously engaging with end users, including vertical industries, they are in an excellent position to understand their future needs. To address the mentioned next generation drivers in a holistic way, it is also important to further engage with user groups representing societal needs.

The NGMN Board strongly recommends that the above described drivers are prioritised in the global research, design and development of the next generation of standards and technologies.

This White Paper is the first of a series of deliverables that NGMN will publish within the next years. NGMN will build upon the high-level guidance provided in this White Paper and engage further in greater details and specifics.