Future of 6G: Insights from the ITU Framework for IMT-2030

By Rolla Hassan, Ph.D

Introduction 

IMT-2030 aims to build on previous generations of mobile networks (IMT-2000, IMT-Advanced, IMT-2020) while introducing new capabilities to support emerging use cases and technologies.

Key motivations for IMT-2030 include inclusivity, ubiquitous connectivity, sustainability, innovation, enhanced security/resilience, and standardization/interoperability.

Major technology trends expected to shape IMT-2030 include: 

• Ubiquitous intelligence/AI integration
• Immersive multimedia and multi-sensory interactions
• Digital twins and virtual worlds
• Smart industrial applications
• Integration of sensing and communication

There are Six main usage scenarios are outlined for IMT-2030: 

• Immersive Communication (evolution of enhanced Mobile Broadband)
• Hyper Reliable and Low-Latency Communication
• Massive Communication (evolution of massive Machine Type Communication)
• Ubiquitous Connectivity
• Artificial Intelligence and Communication
• Integrated Sensing and Communication
• Key capabilities targeted for IMT-2030 include: 
• Peak data rates up to 50-200 Gbps
• User experienced data rates of 300-500 Mbps
• Latency of 0.1-1 ms
• Connection density of 10^6 – 10^8 devices/km2
• Positioning accuracy of 1-10 cm

 ITU WP 5D Timeline for IMT-2030

ITU Working Party 5D (WP 5D) is a key group within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that focuses on the development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems.   

timeline for the development of IMT-2030 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2030) from 2021 to 2030. The timeline is divided into years, with key milestones and activities marked throughout.

Key elements of the timeline include:

1. Regular meetings (labeled 5D #37 through #63) occurring multiple times each year.
2. Major reports and recommendations, such as:
   • ITU Report on new Future Technology Trends (2021-2022)
   • Recommendation on a new Framework of IMT-2030 (2022-2023)
   • Report on IMT feasibility above 100GHz (2022-2024)

1. Technical development phases:
   • Technical performance requirements (2024-2025)
   • Evaluation criteria & methodology (2025-2026)
   • Technology Proposals for IMT-2030 (2027-2028)
   • Evaluation and Consensus building (2028-2030)

1. Two World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC-23 and WRC-27) marked in 2023 and 2027.
2. A workshop planned for 2026.
3. The final outcomes in 2030, including “Outcome & decision” and “IMT-2030 specifications”.

he timeline targets initial standardization by 2030 to enable deployments from 2030 onwards. 

The report encourages research to focus on areas like: 

• radio interface(s) standards development;
• access network-related issues;
• traffic characteristics;
• spectrum-related issues.

Data Sources

ITU  Recommendation ITU-R M.2160-0 https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/m/R-REC-M.2160-0-202311-I%21%21PDF-E.pdf

ITU Future technology trends of terrestrial International Mobile Telecommunications systems towards 2030 and beyond: https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/rep/R-REP-M.2516-2022-PDF-E.pdf

GSA 6G Networks Status Update: https://gsacom.com/paper/6g-networks-status-update/