As the industry prepares for the move toward 6G, experts have weighed in on the ITU’s IMT-2030 Vision framework. Developed through collaboration among industry, government and academia, the framework seeks to guide the evolution of mobile communications by defining key technologies, standards and policy priorities that will shape 6G development.
The IMT-2030 Vision highlights essential technologies for 6G, including enhanced mobile broadband, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and deep integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into network operations.
Karri Kuoppamaki, Senior Vice President of Advanced and Emerging Technologies at T-Mobile, commented:
“The IMT-2030 framework represents a collaborative effort between industry, government, and academia to shape the future of mobile communications. As the industry moves toward 6G, the focus will be on driving innovations that unlock new economic opportunities, enhance connectivity, security, and sustainability while maintaining global leadership in technology development.”
6G technologies and innovations
6G aims to enable seamless interaction among devices, systems and environments, with AI and machine learning embedded into network fabric to optimise performance in real time. This integration promises capabilities such as managing massive machine-type communications and delivering hyper-reliable low-latency services at scale.
Embedding AI throughout 6G networks will allow dynamic resource allocation, predictive maintenance, autonomous orchestration and advanced quality-of-service management, unlocking new use cases across industries.
Viet Nguyen, Vice President of Technology at 5G Americas, observed: “It’s about transforming how we interact with technology, how industries operate, and how society connects.”
These technological advances are expected to create new opportunities across multiple sectors, including:
- Entertainment: Immersive, ultra-high-definition and interactive media experiences
- Education: Advanced remote learning, immersive classrooms and personalised learning pathways
- Healthcare: Real-time remote procedures, continuous monitoring and advanced diagnostics
- Manufacturing: Highly automated, adaptive and resilient production systems
Spectrum allocation to accomplish the IMT-2030 Vision
Experts stress the importance of securing additional spectrum, particularly in upper mid-band and centimetre-wave frequencies, to support the high-capacity, low-latency requirements of future 6G applications. Access to suitable spectrum bands will be fundamental to delivering the bandwidth and reliability these services demand.
Brian Daly, AT&T Fellow and Assistant Vice President of Standards & Industry Alliances, urged stakeholders to engage proactively:
“Stakeholders from the Americas are encouraged to engage in the development of favourable technical details, particularly in the areas of spectrum utilisation, AI integration, and next-generation air-interface technologies.”
Decisions from the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) will influence regional trajectories. Several bands have been identified for IMT use, while others require further study or may be directed toward alternative services. Looking ahead, WRC-27 presents an opportunity for the Americas to propose additional bands and regain momentum in shaping 6G spectrum policy.
Security, sustainability, and standards
Security is a central concern as 6G architectures evolve. With AI operating across network layers, future systems will be capable of real-time threat detection and automated responses, enhancing resilience against sophisticated cyber threats. At the same time, robust governance and secure design practices will be essential to manage risks associated with pervasive intelligence.
Sustainability is another core element of the IMT-2030 Vision. The framework promotes energy-efficient designs, optimised resource usage and environmentally responsible deployment strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of telecom infrastructure while supporting growing demand.
To secure a role in the 6G ecosystem, regions such as the Americas must participate actively in international standardisation and spectrum-harmonisation efforts. Such engagement helps align technical requirements, ensure interoperability and bolster global competitiveness.
In the United States, initiatives like the National Spectrum Strategy, the NSF RINGS partnership and Department of Defense microelectronics hubs are already contributing to research and development efforts tied to 5G and 6G technologies.
Ali Khayrallah, Senior Technical Advisor at Ericsson, added:
“As the industry takes the first steps in the journey to 6G, the ITU IMT-2030 framework provides a crucial roadmap for global collaboration and innovation. It’s not just about faster networks—it’s about transforming how industries and societies connect, operate, and grow in the digital age.”
Moving toward 6G will require international collaboration, coordinated spectrum policy and shared technical standards. By prioritising AI integration, sensing capabilities and energy efficiency, regions can maximise innovation, economic value and societal benefit from next-generation networks.
(Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse)
See also: ITU-R appoints Samsung researcher to lead 6G coordination group
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