The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and ETSI have recently signed a MOU reflecting a strong mutual interest in bringing European research results for 5G, 6G and related technologies into the wider standardisation landscape.
The 6G-IA brings together a global industry community of telecoms and digital actors such as operators, manufacturers, research institutes, universities, verticals, SMEs and ICT associations. The association carries out a wide range of activities in strategic areas including standardisation, frequency spectrum, R&D projects, technology skills, collaboration with key vertical industry sectors, notably the development of trials, and international cooperation.
As the voice of European industry and research for next generation networks and services, the 6G-IA primary objective is to contribute to Europe’s leadership on 5G, 5G evolution and SNS/6G research. The 6G-IA represents the private side in both the 5G public private partnership (5G-PPP) and the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). In the 5G-PPP and SNS JU, the European Commission represents the public side.
It is therefore very relevant that 6G-IA join forces with ETSI and be further involved in its research, innovation and standards ecosystem (RISE) group as well as the ETSI technology radar (ETR) activities mapping emerging technology areas. 6G-IA is also interested in the vision and societal challenges working activities of ETSI RISE group. This collaboration will help European standards strengthen industry around the world.
“ETSI is at the forefront of innovation, and we recognise the essential role of cutting-edge research in enabling strong and relevant world-class standards. Our close collaboration with 6G-IA demonstrates our shared interests in evolving technologies in Europe and will certainly be fruitful for both organisations,” says David Boswarthick, director of new technologies in ETSI.
Ongoing collaboration: 6G-IA presence in the ETSI research conference
At the beginning of 2023, the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) will launch the initial phase of 5G / 6G research projects, many of which will play a crucial role in the definition of next generation networks. The ETSI research conference organised at its headquarters on 6-8 February 2023 will provide the perfect platform for these new projects to present their purpose and plans and exchange with the standards experts on their standardisation roadmaps. Colin Willcock, 6G-IA board chair, will chair a session of the event addressing National 6G research initiatives and links to Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU).
“The 6G-IA is driving the development of 6G in Europe with the creation of the Smart Networks and Services partnership together with the European Commission. This major research program will invest at least 1.8 billion Euros into 6G research in the period 2021-27. Joining forces with ETSI, the European standards organisation for mobile telecommunications was a natural move forward for us“ says chair of the 6G-IA board Colin Willcock.
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