6G Standards: Who Sets Them & How They’re Made

This guide explains how 6G standards are developed and who the key organizations are that set them. You’ll learn the step-by-step process from research to final specification, and get practical tips for following along or contributing.

What You’ll Need

• Basic understanding of mobile networks (4G/5G concepts like spectrum, base stations, latency)
• Access to the internet to check public documents from standards bodies
• Optional: technical background in telecommunications or computer networking

Step-by-Step

1. Understand the main players. The two primary global bodies are the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which develops the actual technical specifications, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which sets high-level requirements and spectrum allocations. Regional bodies like ETSI (Europe), ATIS (US), and ARIB (Japan) also contribute through 3GPP.
2. Start with research and vision. Before standards are written, academic institutions, industry consortia, and companies publish research papers and white papers on 6G concepts like terahertz frequencies, AI-native networks, and integrated sensing. This phase identifies what is technically possible.
3. ITU sets the framework. The ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) creates a document called the “IMT-2030 Framework” (IMT = International Mobile Telecommunications). This defines the high-level performance targets for 6G, such as peak data rates (expected to be 100 Gbps or more) and latency goals. This framework is approved by member states and becomes the reference for all other work.
4. 3GPP defines the requirements. 3GPP takes the ITU framework and turns it into detailed technical requirements. In its “Stage 1” work, they specify what the network must do from a service perspective—for example, supporting holographic communications or massive IoT. This is done in working groups like SA1 (Services).
5. Develop the architecture. 3GPP’s SA2 group designs the overall network architecture—how core network functions, radio access, and edge computing interact. They create the logical entities, interfaces, and protocols that will make 6G work.
6. Write the radio interface specs. The most complex part is the radio access network (RAN). 3GPP’s RAN working groups (RAN1, RAN2, etc.) define the physical layer, modulation schemes, channel coding, and beamforming techniques. This is where the actual “air interface” is specified.
7. Create the protocol stack. Beyond the physical layer, 3GPP defines the full protocol stack—the software that controls how devices and networks communicate. This includes the MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layers, each with its own specification documents.
8. Produce the Release. 3GPP works in “Releases.” For 5G, Release 15 was the first. For 6G, the first full release is expected around 2028 (likely Release 21 or 22). Each release bundles thousands of individual specifications into a complete, testable set.
9. Test and validate. Before finalizing, the specs are tested through simulations and prototype hardware. Companies like Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung build testbeds to verify that the standards actually work as intended. This often happens in parallel with the spec writing.
10. Get approval and publish. The final specifications are approved by 3GPP’s Organizational Partners (the regional bodies) and then published as free, publicly accessible documents. ITU then formally adopts them as IMT-2030 standards, giving them international recognition.
11. Implement and deploy. After the standard is published, equipment manufacturers build network gear and devices that comply. This is followed by certification testing (often by independent labs) to ensure interoperability between different vendors’ equipment.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 3GPP and ITU. ITU sets the “what” (performance targets), 3GPP sets the “how” (technical implementation). Both are essential but have different roles.
• Assuming 6G is a single standard. There are actually many individual specifications (hundreds) that together form the 6G standard. It’s a suite of documents, not one file.
• Thinking standards are set by one company. Standards are developed through consensus among hundreds of member companies and organizations. No single entity controls the process.
• Overlooking regional variations. While 3GPP is global, some countries may add local requirements or frequency bands, so the final implementation can vary by region.
• Believing the process is quick. From initial research to commercial deployment, 6G will take over a decade. The standards themselves take 3-5 years of formal work.

Tips

• Follow 3GPP directly. The 3GPP website (3gpp.org) offers free access to all documents, meeting reports, and work plans. You can see the latest status of 6G work.
• Attend public workshops. Both ITU and 3GPP host workshops and seminars that are open to the public (often online). These are great for understanding current debates.
• Read the IMT-2030 framework. This ITU document is the clearest summary of what 6G will be. It’s relatively short and non-technical.
• Look at academic papers. University research often predicts what will end up in standards. Following IEEE journals on communications can give you a head start.
• If you work in the industry, join a 3GPP member company. Companies can participate directly in meetings and influence the specs. Even smaller companies can join through regional bodies.

Troubleshooting

• You can’t find a specific 6G spec. Search the 3GPP website by release number and working group (e.g., “Release 21 RAN1”). If it’s not there, it may not be published yet—the work is ongoing.
• The process seems too complex. Start with the ITU framework document, then read 3GPP’s “Stage 1” requirements. These are the most accessible entry points.
• You’re confused about which release is 6G. 3GPP has not officially designated a release as “6G.” It’s expected around Release 21 or 22, but the naming will be confirmed later. Until then, look for work items labeled “6G” or “IMT-2030.”
• You want to contribute but aren’t a member. You can submit technical contributions through a member company or academic institution. Individual membership is not available, but you can always comment on public documents.
• You see conflicting information about 6G features. Because the standard is still in development, many features are proposals, not final decisions. Check the date of the source—anything before 2024 is likely speculative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will 6G standards be finalized? The first full 3GPP release for 6G is expected around 2028, with commercial deployments likely starting around 2030. The ITU framework was already approved in 2023.
2. Is 6G just faster 5G? No, 6G aims to be a fundamental shift, integrating AI natively, enabling terahertz communication, and supporting new use cases like holographic calls and digital twins.
3. Who decides the frequency bands for 6G? The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) allocates spectrum globally. The next WRC in 2027 will likely decide on specific 6G bands.
4. Can I read the 6G standards for free? Yes, 3GPP specifications are freely available on their website. ITU documents are also public, though some may require registration.
5. How does 6G handle AI? 6G standards will include AI-driven network management, predictive resource allocation, and AI-native protocols. The exact mechanisms are being defined now.
6. Will 6G replace 5G? Yes, eventually, but 5G will continue to operate alongside 6G for many years. 6G will be backward-compatible in many ways, similar to how 5G coexists with 4G.

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