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The International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) sets a 6G/International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2030 vision that treats nonterrestrial networks (NTNs) as native to the system, while the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) moves from Release 20 (Rel-20) studies to Release 21 (Rel-21) specifications to operationalize terrestrial network (TN) and NTN (TN/NTN) convergence, positioning/synchronization, and handset viability.
In parallel, regulatory and program tracks [the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC); the United Kingdom’s Office of Communications (Ofcom); and the European Union’s Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS2)] are preparing spectrum, licensing, and funding frameworks that enable service scenarios such as direct-to-device messaging/voice, coverage extension and emergency connectivity, NTN-backhauled cells, and wide-area Internet of Things (IoT).
In November 2023, the ITU-R finalized Recommendation M.2160, the framework for IMT-2030, i.e., 6G. It lays out usage scenarios beyond IMT-2020 and an expanded capability set (coverage, reliability, positioning, sensing, sustainability, etc.) and, critically, positions interoperability with “other access systems,” a door that many expect NTNs to step through as a first-class citizen. While it avoids dictating spectrum, it provides the reference architecture that standards bodies and regulators are now mapping against.”
Full Article: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2025
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