Both 3GPP and the ITU are progressing agendas to identify spectrum for satellites and other non-terrestrial networks. 3GPP Release 19 anticipates adding spectrum in the Ku-band, while WRC-27 will consider several new mobile satellite service ranges, including spectrum for satellite direct-to-device connectivity. Read more...

6G IMT-2030 networks will use multiple frequency bands—existing terrestrial bands, repurposed bands, and spectrum in new bands. This Research Note examines the current state of 6G IMT spectrum identifications and leading candidate bands for future use. A complementary Note looks at the status of the spectrum targeted for use by… Read more...

3GPP and the ITU are moving forward with standardisation work towards 6G across both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and ultimately the full integration of the two. 3GPP 6G normative standards are expected in Release 21, developed in the 2027 to 2029 timeframe, with the ITU set to establish formal 6G… Read more...

Regional and national 6G roadmaps are seeking to align with the ITU’s IMT-2030 (6G) framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, along with standards developments as they progress in 3GPP. In 2024, national agendas are moving from concepts and visions to more concrete and directional strategies. While many of… Read more...

Since PolicyTracker published its first 6G Dossier in 2021, there has been significant progress in the framing of the 6G future and the setting of more meaningful directional targets and milestones. 6G plans are becoming more defined across global, regional and national policy roadmaps, standards developments, spectrum targets and R&D… Read more...

The mobile industry's drive to build out networks continued apace in 2023. While the main focus remained on 5G rollout, some telcos are still expanding their 4G LTE and even 3G services. Interest in open radio access networks (Open RAN), particularly around standalone (SA) networks, increased, as did 6G-related activities.… Read more...

Etisalat Group is a leading telecoms group in emerging markets. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it was established over 40 years ago as the country’s first telecoms firm. It had over 170 million subscribers in countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa as of its 2023 annual report. Read more...

Reliance Jio Infocomm, one of the many businesses of Reliance Industries, is India's largest operator and the second-largest single-country operator in the world, offering services such as connectivity, fibre, mobile devices, apps, and business solutions. Read more...

NTT Docomo remains Japan's largest telecoms provider. It also offers mobile services in the Philippines and Guam, along with various ICT, enterprise and R&D services globally. It remains heavily engaged in 5G, 6G and Open RAN activities. Read more...

Japanese mobile operator SoftBank is part of the SoftBank Group. It says it is "embarking on a new stage of the Information Revolution with a 'Beyond Carrier' strategy" and that it is determined to position itself at the forefront of a society that co-exists with AI. Read more...