While some countries, in the European Union are still facing challenges in meeting the goals for implementing 5G networks there is already talk about the generation of networks, known as 6G. It is anticipated that 6G will have its specifications finalized by 2029 2030 as mentioned by Jan Ellsberger, who recently took on the role of Director General at ETSI the organization responsible for setting telecommunications standards in Europe.
During an interview with Euronews Ellsberger mentioned that preparations for 6G are set to commence soon. He expressed that the industry aims to have the set of 6G standards between 2029 and 2030. Nevertheless he highlighted that unlike a leap from 5G 6G will be more about building upon existing technology, than introducing a radical change.
6G Development in a Global Context
ETSI, with than 950 member organizations from 65 countries plays a role in creating telecommunications standards that are globally accepted. It functions under the umbrella of 3GPP a group tasked with crafting protocols for communications. After the specifications for 6G are completed they will become the standard, in all regions involved, such as the EU, US, India, Japan, China and South Korea.
EU Struggles with 5G Rollout
The news, about the arrival of 6G comes at a time when the European Commissions plans for 5G implementation’re still incomplete across the 27 EU member states. The Commissions recent report on the Digital Decade released in June recognized that the goal of achieving 5G coverage by 2023 has not been met.
This delay in rolling out 5G has sparked concerns about its impact on technologies that depend on high speed internet connections, such as artificial intelligence. The telecom industry group ETNO cautioned in a report, from January that substantial additional investments are necessary to meet the EUs objectives of 5G and gigabit coverage by the end of this decade.
Standardization Priorities and AI Regulation
Looking forward Ellsberger foresees that there will be an emphasis, on standardization in Brussels in the years. He mentioned, “All the laws that have been passed now need to be put into practice and those regulations will require standards. ETSI will play its part in this effort.”
One significant instance is the AI Act, which consists of the EUs guidelines for overseeing high risk AI applications and recently became effective. The request for standardization in support of the EUs AI policy was released in May 2022. Entrusted to CEN/CENELEC, with ETSI contributing to the process.
Ellsberger highlighted that the time taken to establish standards can range from a months to years depending on the complexity of the subject matter. “Standardization is an initiative, within the industry. The more involvement we receive from industry stakeholders the quicker progress can be made ” he remarked.
Looking to the Future
6G is not the focus of ETSIs directive; they are also delving into emerging technologies, like quantum computing and establishing programs to educate the upcoming workforce.
With anticipation building for the advent of 6G it is evident that cooperation and dedication from industry players will play a role in ensuring a seamless and timely transition. While the EU races to meet its 5G deployment goals the prospect of 6G on the horizon provides a peek, into what lies for mobile connectivity.
