3GPP Release 20: Shaping 5G-Advanced and Paving the Way for 6G
3GPP has officially launched Release 20, the most ambitious step yet in the telecom roadmap. This release focuses on 5G-Advanced enhancements while initiating formal studies for 6G.
Key Highlights of Release 20
-5G-Advanced Enhancements: Energy efficiency as a service, advanced NTN (satellite access), public safety features, and resilient coverage solutions.
Integrated Sensing & Communication (ISAC): Enabling drones, UAVs, and advanced location-aware services.
-AI/ML for Air Interface: Smarter, self-optimizing networks.
-Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Ensuring seamless connectivity even without GNSS support.
-Public Safety: Multi-hop relaying and new spectrum options like 4.9 GHz.
6G Studies Begin
Defining performance requirements and deployment scenarios for 6G.
First technical reports expected by 2026.
Normative work to start in Release 21 (2027–2029), leading toward commercial 6G in 2030.
Timeline Snapshot
Stage 1 freeze: June 2025
Stage 2 (architecture): June 2026
Stage 3 (protocols): March 2027
ASN.1 freeze: June 2027
Release 20 is more than just an upgrade. It’s the bridge between today’s 5G networks and tomorrow’s AI-native 6G world.
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