How and When Will 6G Emerge From 5G? Milestones and Next Steps - How Can Europe Stay Ahead in the 6G Race?

Description

Summary

Unlike other sectors of the digital economy, Europe is one of the world's market leaders in telecommunications equipment. Thanks to world-class companies, innovative research project platforms and diverse vertical industry ecosystems, Europe has a decisive influence on shaping the future of mobile communications.

As 5G becomes mainstream, the sixth generation of mobile communications (6G) is already on the horizon. Research and development programs are being launched worldwide, and the standardization of 6G is being debated in international forums.

Europe must aspire to maintain its leading position in mobile telecommunications. In a world where geopolitical tensions interfere with economic decisions, it is crucial for the continent to adopt a strategy that enables it to maintain a leading position. To achieve this, Europe must continue to focus on the dynamics of innovation.

This report provides an overview on the transition from 5G to 6G, covering various aspects:

Digital sovereignty

Spectrum resources

6G technology capabilities and market drivers

Europe's technological sovereignty in 6G

Product Code: M00079MR

1. 5G digital sovereignty

1.1. 5G promises to create new value for industries and society
1.2. Global 5G development and ecosystem landscape
1.3. The 5G ecosystem in the age of Open RAN

2. The 6G GHz band

2.1. Increased spectrum resources are needed to realize the promise of 5G between 2025 and 2030
2.2. Leveraging mid-band spectrum for sustainable 5G deployment and beyond
2.3. 6 GHz is a key resource to offer complementary capacity to 3.5 GHz
2.4. WRC 23: Opportunity for harmonization of licensed 6 GHz
2.5. Allocating upper 6 GHz for EU's sustainable Digital Agenda with 5G and beyond

3. Moving towards 6G

3.1. Evolution towards 6G
3.2. 6G drivers

4. 6G technology central capabilities

4.1. 6G key capabilities
4.2. Network sustainability
4.3. Enhanced connection performance
4.4. Ubiquitous connectivity
4.5. Sensing networks
4.6. Integrated AI/ML capabilities
4.7. Trustworthiness

5. How to foster Europe's technological 6G sovereignty?

5.1. Global initiatives on 6G research
5.2. 6G initiatives in the United States and China
5.3. 6G initiatives in the EU
5.4. The need for partnerships to develop 6G
5.5. The 6G standardization bodies
5.6. The risk of 6G standard fragmentation
5.7. Cost of fragmented 6G systems
5.8. Conclusion on how to foster Europe's technological 6G sovereignty