The first study to identify typical usage scenarios for 6G radio technology and the required capabilities for each scenario is complete.
The approval of TR 38.914 and the agreement of a timeline for the first 6G specifications (See Timeline for Release 21 (June 10, 2026))aligns the work to ITU-R’s 6G Framework (M.2160). The 3GPP study can now be shared with ITU-R as a contribution to the IMT-2030 process.
TR 38.914 covers:
- 6G Deployment scenarios
- 6G Requirements and technical principles (KPI, architecture and migration, operational requirements, new and existing services, testing and conformance).
Further 6G Radio Studies ongoing
(Source: RP-253876).
TR number |
Title |
For info at TSG# |
For approval at TSG# |
38.960 |
Study on 6G Radio (FS_6G_Radio) |
TSG#115 |
TSG#116 |
Includes internal studies: |
Study on 6G Radio RAN1 aspects |
|
|
|
Study on 6G Radio RAN2 aspects |
|
|
|
Study on 6G Radio RAN3 aspects |
|
|
|
Study on 6G Radio RAN4 aspects |
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|
Now the Plenary level study is complete, studies are now progressing at the Working Group level, on FS_6G_Radio (table above) which is divided into areas covered by RAN 1,2,3 & 4. A series of Check Points has been set to allow TSG RAN plenary to discuss and decide on detailed migration options and further analysis received from the Working Groups.
Project wide agreement on terms, including 6GR
In the joint session at TSG#112 (Singapore, June 9, 2026) of TSGs CT, RAN and SA, a proposal of an initial set of the basic terms was agreed. This will allow all deliverables from various Working Groups to have a consistent approach as new studies and Work Items are approved.
Term agreed |
Detail |
6GR |
6G Radio |
6G RAT |
6G Radio Access Technology |
6G RAN |
6G Radio Access Network |
6GC or 6G CN |
6G Core Network |
6GS |
6G System |
This common-sense approach at the start of the 6G standards process took time out of the three TSGs last week, but by adopting consistent terminology, it is hoped that many hours of discussion in standards groups and marketing departments may be saved.
