Samsung will take a leading role in 6G standardisation efforts within 3GPP, the world’s largest telecommunications standards development organisation.
At a recent 3GPP plenary meeting, Dr Younsun Kim of Samsung Research was elected Chair of the 3GPP Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network (TSG RAN). This group is responsible for defining and standardising the radio access network components of wireless systems, including the physical layer, protocol specifications, and radio resource control.
Dr Kim’s election strengthens Samsung’s ability to shape the future of 6G technology and guide industry consensus on next-generation radio specifications.
“I believe my election as chair further recognises Samsung’s leadership in mobile communications technology,” Dr Kim said. “Standardising 6G goes beyond resolving technical challenges; it requires close collaboration across companies and organisations in the mobile ecosystem.”
Founded in 1998, 3GPP plays a central role in setting global mobile communications standards, with participation from major industry players such as Samsung, Apple, Qualcomm, Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia.
Dr Kim brings substantial 3GPP experience to the role. In May 2021 he was elected Chair of RAN Working Group 1 (RAN WG1), the largest group in 3GPP, responsible for physical layer specifications for radio access technologies. Over the past four years he led the standardisation of 5G physical layer technologies and contributed significantly to the rapid growth of 5G networks worldwide.
With his new role as Chair of 3GPP TSG RAN, effective from May, Dr Kim will have greater influence over the development and harmonisation of 6G standards, guiding technical priorities for the next evolution of mobile communications.
“Dr Kim’s appointment as Chair of the Technical Specification Group recognises Samsung’s contributions and technological leadership in mobile communications,” the company said.
Samsung already holds prominent positions across 3GPP, including chair roles in RAN WG1 and SA WG2 and vice-chair roles in RAN WG2, SA WG4, SA WG6, and CT WG3. With Dr Kim’s election, Samsung retains the largest number of chair positions within 3GPP, even after the RAN WG1 chair term concludes, reinforcing its central role among more than 800 member organisations.
“Mobile communications are at a turning point,” Samsung added. “Progress must not only raise transmission speeds but also drive 6G standardisation around new values and use cases.”
6G aims to deliver future-focused and sustainable improvements in mobile communications, including higher network energy efficiency, improved network performance enabled by artificial intelligence, and stronger security measures designed to resist threats posed by future quantum computing capabilities.
“I will make every effort to successfully lead 3GPP’s TSG RAN and advance 6G standardisation,” Dr Kim said.
(Image credit: Samsung)
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