Industry News
Ready or Not, Next-Gen Communication Is Here
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Author : JIUZHOU
Update time : 2026-03-20 10:09:58
Standardization efforts for the next generation of mobile communication technologies commenced in 2025. They project commercial deployment to take place around 2030. We will develop the relevant specifications within a globally unified framework. We expect a clear plan by the end of 2026.
Artificial intelligence will deeply integrate with existing advanced 5G technologies.
The Standardization Process
Formal discussions regarding the relevant standards began in early 2025. The objective is to establish industry consensus for next-generation communication. By the end of 2026, officials expect to officially finalize a clear roadmap for technological development.
Companies anticipate launching the first commercial services around 2030. Some regions plan to conduct early technical demonstrations during major international sporting events in 2028, allowing the public to experience future communication technologies firsthand.
Meanwhile, major standards organizations actively formulate architectural specifications for both Radio Access Networks (RAN) and Core Networks. The aim is to meet the mandates of international regulatory bodies. Which typically require a technological generational shift every ten years.
Key Milestones
Specific system releases will incorporate the initial set of technical specifications. We will determine the precise timeline in June 2026. This will establish critical milestones for the various candidate technologies currently under investigation.
The team expects to begin working in full swing on the relevant specifications in March 2027. With the release cycle for a single version typically spanning approximately 18 months.
During this period, the industry will seek to build consensus on fundamental issues. Although technical issues or global factors may affect the process. The team continues to work steadily and stays firmly on track.
The Path of Technological Evolution
To gain a head start in the race for next-generation communication. Research efforts have been proceeding in parallel with the development of current advanced 5G specifications. Industry experts note that this approach ensures continuity between the two generations. Thereby establishing a development framework that is complementary rather than competitive.
A broad consensus within the industry holds that next-generation technology should prioritize "evolution" over "revolution." Major equipment vendors universally view existing advanced 5G technologies as the foundational basis for future development. Capabilities expected to be further enhanced in the future include:
Integration of machine learning into access and core networks
Improvements in energy efficiency and low-latency technologies
Advanced Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) technologies
Integration of satellite communications
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
Deep Integration of Artificial Intelligence
By the end of this year, the industry should have a clear understanding of physical layer traits. It should also understand the overall network architecture. 2026 will also witness closer collaboration among various standards organizations to jointly explore advancements in open network architectures.
Furthermore, no discussion regarding next-generation technologies would be complete without addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Amidst the growing buzz surrounding the concept of "AI-native" networks. AI has permeated virtually every level of standards development work:
Autonomous Operations: Relying on AI to achieve network automation.
Performance Optimization: Utilizing algorithms for beamforming or predictive maintenance.
Security and Protection: Investigating how to leverage AI to safeguard networks. As well as how to defend against AI-driven threats.
Artificial intelligence will deeply integrate with existing advanced 5G technologies.
The Standardization Process
Formal discussions regarding the relevant standards began in early 2025. The objective is to establish industry consensus for next-generation communication. By the end of 2026, officials expect to officially finalize a clear roadmap for technological development.
Companies anticipate launching the first commercial services around 2030. Some regions plan to conduct early technical demonstrations during major international sporting events in 2028, allowing the public to experience future communication technologies firsthand.
Meanwhile, major standards organizations actively formulate architectural specifications for both Radio Access Networks (RAN) and Core Networks. The aim is to meet the mandates of international regulatory bodies. Which typically require a technological generational shift every ten years.
Key Milestones
Specific system releases will incorporate the initial set of technical specifications. We will determine the precise timeline in June 2026. This will establish critical milestones for the various candidate technologies currently under investigation.
The team expects to begin working in full swing on the relevant specifications in March 2027. With the release cycle for a single version typically spanning approximately 18 months.
During this period, the industry will seek to build consensus on fundamental issues. Although technical issues or global factors may affect the process. The team continues to work steadily and stays firmly on track.
The Path of Technological Evolution
To gain a head start in the race for next-generation communication. Research efforts have been proceeding in parallel with the development of current advanced 5G specifications. Industry experts note that this approach ensures continuity between the two generations. Thereby establishing a development framework that is complementary rather than competitive.
A broad consensus within the industry holds that next-generation technology should prioritize "evolution" over "revolution." Major equipment vendors universally view existing advanced 5G technologies as the foundational basis for future development. Capabilities expected to be further enhanced in the future include:
Integration of machine learning into access and core networks
Improvements in energy efficiency and low-latency technologies
Advanced Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) technologies
Integration of satellite communications
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
Deep Integration of Artificial Intelligence
By the end of this year, the industry should have a clear understanding of physical layer traits. It should also understand the overall network architecture. 2026 will also witness closer collaboration among various standards organizations to jointly explore advancements in open network architectures.
Furthermore, no discussion regarding next-generation technologies would be complete without addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Amidst the growing buzz surrounding the concept of "AI-native" networks. AI has permeated virtually every level of standards development work:
Autonomous Operations: Relying on AI to achieve network automation.
Performance Optimization: Utilizing algorithms for beamforming or predictive maintenance.
Security and Protection: Investigating how to leverage AI to safeguard networks. As well as how to defend against AI-driven threats.
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