Shaping the Future: New Report Unveils 6G Network Standards Blueprint

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10/13/2025 – 04:00 AM

3GPP Release 20 is a pivotal milestone, consolidating 5G-Advanced while seeding 6G studies that will define the next decade of connectivity

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The race to define the future of mobile technology is heating up. InterDigital, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDCC), a key player in mobile, video, and AI technology R&D, and ABI Research have released a joint report shedding light on the crucial role of 3GPP Release 20 in bridging the gap between 5G-Advanced and the nascent world of 6G.

The report, titled “The Bridge to 6G: Spotlight on 3GPP Release 20”, offers a deep dive into how this standardization milestone is solidifying the commercial foundations of 5G while simultaneously initiating coordinated research efforts that will shape the next generation of global connectivity. The report highlights key Release 20 study areas including simplified, AI-native architectures to Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), signaling an important turning point in network capabilities and the services and experiences they will unlock.

“Release 20 represents a critical inflection point, enabling the industry to leverage a decade of 5G innovation and maturity as a launchpad for a smarter, more sustainable, and commercially viable 6G ecosystem,” stated Rajesh Pankaj, Chief Technology Officer at InterDigital. “Our teams are actively contributing expertise and leadership in key areas such as ISAC and AI-native radio access networks, aiming to foster the development of more intelligent, efficient, and capable networks and innovative services under the 6G umbrella.”

A Defining Transition: From 5G-Advanced to 6G

3GPP Release 20 is positioned as a crucial transition point, enabling the maturation of 5G-Advanced technologies while concurrently establishing the groundwork for the design, deployment, and future commercialization of 6G networks. Central design principles and key study items include:

• AI-Native Networks: Intelligence is being embedded at every layer of the network architecture, from the radio access network (RAN) to the core, enabling predictive and streamlined systems designed to optimize performance and operations in real-time. Specifically, Release 20 introduces AI-enabled air interfaces and two-sided model training methodologies for critical tasks like channel state information (CSI) compression and proactive mobility management. This promises a significant leap in network efficiency and responsiveness.

• Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC): ISAC will grant networks the ability to perceive motion, range, and environmental context, thereby opening up exciting new possibilities for automation, enhanced mobility solutions, and immersive extended reality (XR) experiences. Release 20 is actively exploring system-level architectures for the concept of “Sensing-as-a-Service,” potentially facilitating applications ranging from drone detection and mitigation to advanced industrial automation and intelligent IoT ecosystems.

• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Facilitating the seamless integration of cellular and satellite networks enables ubiquitous and truly global coverage, a game-changer for remote areas and underserved communities. A significant focus of Release 20 is dedicated to tackling the practical deployment challenges inherent in NTN and delivering system-level enhancements, such as GNSS-independent NTN positioning, which ensures reliable location services even in the absence of traditional satellite navigation systems.

• Sustainability by Design: Release 20 studies are targeting a dramatic improvement in energy efficiency, aiming for up to 100x greater energy efficiency per bit transmitted. This will translate into reduced total cost of ownership for network operators and a move towards more carbon-aware and AI-driven network management strategies. This aspect is paramount in addressing the growing energy demands of future networks.

“The development of 6G is characterized by the involvement of a more diverse range of stakeholders compared to previous generations,” noted Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director at ABI Research. “The collaborative, consensus-driven approach behind Release 20, encompassing traditional innovators, hyper-scalers, and AI pioneers, ensures that 6G will be more inclusive, resilient, and adaptable to the evolving demands of the global market, paving the way for a broader range of applications and services.”

The report envisions a future where networks evolve beyond simple infrastructure into intelligent and adaptive ecosystems that power the global digital economy and transform human experiences. The study suggests that 6G will enable a wide array of groundbreaking services and enhanced device capabilities, including lifelike holographic and volumetric communication powered by advancements in real-time analytics for XR applications. 6G will underpin ambient IoT and smart environments supported by billions of self-powered devices interacting seamlessly via sensing-driven connectivity, safer autonomous industrial systems facilitated by ultra-reliable, low-latency networks.

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