International standardization talks on 6G networks heat up... TTA to host 3GPP meeting

[Financial News] International discussions on standards for 6G radio access networks are gaining momentum, covering the architecture of sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks and 6G technologies that connect artificial intelligence (AI), sensing functions and satellites. From technologies that allow 6G to share frequencies with existing fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks to communication methods for next-generation base stations and devices, global companies are now stepping up their behind-the-scenes race to secure a leading role in setting standards for 6G wireless networks.
The Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) said it will host an international meeting of the 3GPP Radio Access Network (RAN) working groups at the Jeju International Convention Center from the 12th through the 16th. About 1,500 mobile telecommunications standards experts from around the world will attend to review detailed design directions for next-generation wireless communications technologies.

3GPP is a joint research project involving major mobile telecommunications organizations from around the world. It has set the de facto standards for the global mobile telecommunications market, from third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) to fifth-generation (5G) technology. Research on 6G standards gained momentum with a 6G technology workshop hosted by TTA in March 2025.

Four working groups will take part in the meeting: RAN1, which handles radio signals and transmission technologies; RAN2, which deals with communication procedures between devices and base stations; RAN3, which designs network connectivity architecture; and RAN4, which sets radio performance standards.
AI and sensing are shared topics addressed by all four working groups. Each will study AI use cases and AI model management frameworks, as well as data collection methods, within 6G wireless networks. They will also work together on signal design and performance evaluation for base-station sensing, and on ways to integrate sensing with communications. In other words, AI and sensing will be treated not as individual wireless-network functions but as shared topics spanning the full scope of 6G wireless network design.
Research topics for the transition to 6G also include technologies that allow 5G and 6G to use the same frequencies, and ways to maintain connectivity and mobility between networks when 5G and 6G networks operate side by side. The aim is to improve 6G performance while reducing the costs and energy consumption required to build and operate networks.
An industry official explained, “This is when organizations from major countries participating in 3GPP working groups begin a fierce behind-the-scenes competition to turn technologies developed by their domestic telecommunications equipment manufacturers and service providers into international standards that favor their own countries.”

3GPP plans to complete the 6G technology research it began in 2025 by the first half of 2027, and to finalize detailed standard specifications in 2028.
Radio access networks are a key technology area, accounting for about 80% of standard-essential patents in mobile telecommunications.
The design directions discussed at the Jeju meeting are expected to serve as important benchmarks for the future development of telecommunications equipment and devices.
TTA Chairman Son Seung-hyeon said, “The influence of 3GPP standards comes from their application to communications technologies around the world.” He added, “I hope discussions on standardization will accelerate further, building on this wireless-network working-group meeting, so that 6G networks can evolve into AI-native networks.”
[email protected] Lee Gu-soon Reporter