6G standardisation moves closer in 2026

As the global telecommunications industry gears up for the development of sixth-generation wireless systems, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for the formal standardization of 6G networks. While commercial deployment is not anticipated until around 2030, the decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching implications for spectrum allocation, silicon technology advancements, and network infrastructures well into the 2030s. This development could impact a wide range of applications, from embedded connectivity and edge computing to industrial automation and mobility systems.

Initiated in 2018, the groundwork for 6G technology has primarily been focused on research and conceptualization. However, the landscape is evolving rapidly, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) introducing the IMT-2030 framework in 2024. This framework sets out ambitious performance targets rather than specific technical specifications, aiming to guide research and early standardization efforts towards achieving unprecedented data rates, ultra-high connection densities, and enhanced reliability at extreme mobility speeds.

Among the envisioned capabilities are ultra-low latency, centimeter-level positioning accuracy, and support for cutting-edge applications like holographic communications, advanced robotics, autonomous transport, and smart city deployments on a large scale. While these targets represent the upper limits of what 6G could offer, the actual features to be included in the standard are still subject to ongoing discussions and technological advancements.

Looking ahead to 2026, IEEE member Gabrielle Silva anticipates a shift in focus from theoretical possibilities to practical implementation. The performance targets outlined by the ITU for 6G include significantly higher data rates compared to 5G, support for extremely dense device environments, improved mobility at high speeds, and reduced latency. These targets, while ambitious, may not all be realized in the final standard, as the industry continues to refine its technological capabilities.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from the deployment of 5G networks, industry experts are approaching the development of 6G with a more cautious mindset. Despite substantial investments in 5G infrastructure, the returns have not always met expectations, leading to a reevaluation of deployment strategies for the next generation. IEEE Fellow William Webb suggests that operators are likely to prioritize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and power consumption in the design of 6G networks, focusing on delivering tangible benefits to both operators and end-users.

With formal standardization expected to commence in 2026 and commercial systems to follow towards the end of the decade, the journey towards 6G deployment is a long and intricate process. Given the typical lifespan of each wireless generation, the decisions made in the coming years will shape the future of the European electronics and telecommunications landscape for decades to come.