6G standard to be built on software-centric approach from 5G" - NGMN proposes standardization

On June 4, 2025, the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN), a telecommunications-related industry association, released its recommendations document on 6G standardization, "6G KEY MESSAGES - An Operator View" 3GPP is developing Release 20*. As it begins, it emphasizes the importance of an "evolutionary and harmonized approach" in the future transition to 6G.

In this document, NGMN stated that the 6G standard "should build on the features and performance introduced in 5G," and that "evolution from 5G should be software-centric, and costly total replacement of existing hardware (so-called "rip-and-replace ) should be avoided," he said.

Regarding the future 6G architecture, he noted that it "must achieve economic and social sustainability while ensuring modularity, interoperability, openness, and reliability," and specific features such as AI-native design, quantum-resistant security, and phased implementation of features according to needs. The report mentions.

NGMN is an industry association of the world's major telecommunications carriers, including NTT DOCOMO, Vodafone, AT&T, and Deutsche Telekom. It has a certain influence on standardization discussions in the telecommunications industry.

Release 20: The standardization phase of 3GPP, which will parallel the technical specifications for 5G Advanced and the initial 6G research.

Materials

• NGMN 6G Key Messages - An Operator View
• NGMN calls for harmonized 6G - without total hardware refresh
• NGMN doubles down on its aversion to 6G rip-and-replace