6G-IA and ETSI sign MoU bridging the gap between European research, standards and industry

Sophia Antipolis, France/Brussels, Belgium 24 January 2023: The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and ETSI have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding reflecting a strong mutual interest in bringing European research results for 5G, 6G and related technologies into the wider standardization 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 standardization, 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 recognize 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 organizations,” 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 first 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 organized 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 standardization 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 organization for mobile telecommunications was a natural move forward for us” says Chair of the 6G-IA Board Colin Willcock.

About ETSI

ETSI provides members with an open and inclusive environment to support the development, ratification, and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT systems and services across all sectors of industry and society. We are a non-profit body, with more than 900 member organizations worldwide, drawn from over 60 countries and five continents. The members comprise a diversified pool of large and small private companies, research entities, academia, government, and public organizations. ETSI is officially recognized by the EU as a European Standardization Organization (ESO). For more information, please visit us at https://www.etsi.org/

ETSI Press contact:

Claire Boyer

Tel.: +33 (0)6 87 60 84 40

Email: claire.boyer@etsi.org

About 6G-IA

The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) is the voice of European Industry and Research for next generation networks and services. Its 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. The 6G-IA brings together a global industry community of telecoms & digital actors such as operators, manufacturers, research institutes, universities, verticals, SMEs and ICT associations. The 6G-IA carries out a wide range of activities in strategic areas including standardization, frequency spectrum, R&D projects, technology skills, collaboration with key vertical industry sectors, in particular for the development of trials, and international cooperation.

For more information, please visit the website https://6g-ia.eu

Contact:

6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association

Tel.: +49-173-2984166

E-mail: Office_atmark_6g-ia.eu

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