Future Network System as Open Platform in Beyond 5G/6G Era | IGF 2023 Day 0 Event #201

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Thabisa Zimbini Faye-Mwangi

The exploration of future networks’ potential, such as Beyond 5G, is under scrutiny, particularly in developing nations like those in Africa. The feasibility of their implementation faces several considerable obstacles, from high costs and substantial energy demands to the pressing need for infrastructure development. South Africa, for example, is currently grappling with an energy crisis and persistent power cuts, exacerbating the high energy consumption required to operate these networks. The added burden these systems would place on existing power supplies adds an extra layer of complexity. Economic viability presents additional challenges, especially in countries with a variety of competing economic interests. Together, these factors underscore the broader sentiment of uncertainty and concern.

However, the expected impact of future networks isn’t entirely negative. Indeed, they could stimulate extensive economic participation and growth by increasing purchasing power and catalysing economic engagement. With the potential to unlock significant development, the advent of future networks could also invigorate subsidiary industries like textiles.

In response to these Industry 4.0 challenges, regulatory frameworks must adapt to remain relevant. Agile and transparent regulations and regulatory sandboxes can foster increased industry participation, and this tool allows the private sector to demonstrate regulatory compliance without the necessity for a full-scale Research and Development budget.

Spectrum-sharing and interoperability are given significant importance in the context of networking systems. Increasing market diversity, these two aspects not only promote resource expansion but also facilitate participation from smaller players. This challenges the existing network system’s tendency to favour the most financially robust entities, thereby creating a more equitable playing field for all market participants.

Moreover, specific working contexts should ideally incorporate localised data. This could trigger the development of bespoke knowledge systems, promoting a more inclusive and applicable approach to systems.

At a global level, spectrum harmonisation is deemed essential for enhancing sustainability and accessibility in global mobile communication. Currently, the lack of harmonisation, often a product of global debates favouring larger stakeholders, engenders a fragmented landscape. Therefore, collaboration and knowledge sharing are critical to overcoming this disparity.

An emergent sentiment perceives the necessity for a new approach to digital world regulation, considering many existing regulatory models obsolete. Digital regulators are becoming increasingly research-oriented, moving away from traditional regulatory tools such as ‘call termination’.

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are progressively deriving economic value from the obligations associated with spectrum auctions. Rather than seeking substantial profits, this strategy aims to sustain the development of similar Wi-Fi projects in venues like schools, thus addressing wider developmental imperatives and serving broader communities.

Community networks are seen as challenging the traditional business model within the telecommunications sector. Bridging the true access gap in underserved rural areas with low economic participation and significant physical barriers, these networks diverge from industry norms.

Looking ahead, the development of 6G faces staunch resistance, primarily due to the substantial energy demands it would incur. Concerns primarily stem from the developing South, which faces the risk of being overlooked amidst the rapid pace of technological evolution. Without addressing issues of energy sustainability, the leap into 6G could consolidate systems that are little more than ‘5G plus’. To sidestep these challenges, international collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst countries are strongly advocated. These partnerships could leverage the progress of more technologically advanced nations to shape the policies and regulations of developing nations, firmly grounding these developments in sustainability.

Tony Quek

Tony Quek presented a detailed overview of Singapore’s leading role in the development and implementation of O-RAN technology, emphasising on various potential research areas such as cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and sustainability. He disclosed that Singapore commenced an investment of US $50 million in 2019, instigating the construction of a test bed for research revolving around O-RAN technology. Singapore also launched the execution of its first open, disaggregated radio access network (O-RAN) in 2021.

Quek highlighted Singapore’s geopolitical and political neutrality, maintaining that this could provide an advantageous position in the creation of secure and trustworthy O-RAN systems. In his perspective, this unique geopolitical position provides Singapore with leverage in becoming a pivotal player in the evolution towards 5G technology and potentially beyond.

Furthermore, Quek endorses employing Open-RAN technology as an effective instrument to enhance AI/ML capabilities within the network, offer enhanced transparency, and exploit the advantages of vertical services integration. The flexibility of O-RAN in employing AI/ML across diverse controllers and providing opportunities for vertical services integration were emphasised.

Additionally, Quek underscored the importance of sustainability in the deployment of O-RAN and 5G technology, accentuating the environmental impacts critical for Singapore and Asia as a service region. He highlighted that Singapore has planned the introduction of a carbon tax and aspires for the city-state to lead in services sustainability within Asia.

Quek also stressed the necessity for technologies to demonstrate measurable social and economic impact, and the importance of remaining at the forefront in certain sectors by adopting innovative technologies. He offered the successful synergy with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on a future communications project as evidence to his argument that innovative implementation of new technologies requires regulatory flexibility.

Moreover, Quek champions the concept of a ‘sandbox’, a creative ecosystem fostering collaboration amongst industry, academia, and vendors. He warned that neglection of sensitivity towards Spectrum regulations could trigger potential territorial issues with neighbours, advocating for a cautious approach to these regulations.

Simultaneously, Quek advocated extraordinary shifts within the telecoms industry, contesting the subscription model, while proposing an infrastructure akin to the S-line capabilities. He also emphasised the need to broaden the market beyond Asia, identifying Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam as possible arenas.

Quek also underlined the balancing act between long-term research and immediate goals such as Plugfest, Mobile World Congress (MWC), and other key events where progressive advancement can be showcased. He spotlighted synergistic partnerships as a method for achieving a cumulative result exceeding individual efforts.

Finally, Tony Quek voiced optimism regarding the potential outcomes from a workshop in which he participated as a panelist, focusing on open service platforms in the era beyond 5G or 6G. He highlighted that this event, organised by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), should yield substantial results.

Marja Anneli Matinmikko-Blue

Marja Anneli Matinmikko-Blue expresses a prevailing positive sentiment towards the prospects of 6G as a formidable platform for new solutions and services, all grounded in a multidisciplinary approach. As a researcher at the University of Oulu in Finland, she articulates that the evolution of 6G will mark a natural progression from 5G, emanating from an enhanced emphasis on network sharing between local networks and current users of the spectrum.

However, she underscores that the trajectory of 6G must be guided by paramount considerations surrounding sustainability. She avers that the UN Sustainable Development Goals should serve as the design criteria for 6G. This perspective is punctuated by apprehensions regarding the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector’s total energy consumption. Matinmikko-Blue encapsulates both the enablement effect – ICT’s potential to catalyse sustainable practices across different sectors – as well as the sector’s own environmental footprint.

In dissecting the process of 6G development, Matinmikko-Blue opines that a broader spectrum of stakeholders must participate in the dialogue. She notes that the current conversation is largely led by existing major players, including infrastructure vendors and operators. Nonetheless, she perceives an immediate need to incorporate the viewpoints of end-users into this decision-making process. By acknowledging a shifting ecosystem and business environment, she advocates for the inclusion of such diverse perspectives, promoting a sustainable transition towards 6G.

When discussing the global aspect of mobile communication, Matinmikko-Blue registers concern about spectrum divergence and fragmentation, primarily due to nation-specific bands for local 5G. This fragmentation, she asserts, presents a challenge as mobile communication heavily hinges on the global use of the same equipment. She maintains a neutral sentiment about harmonised regulation. Despite recognising the distinct regulatory requirements for public and private networks, she argues that harmonisation is essential for efficient and streamlined mobile communication. She identifies the harmonisation of the spectrum as a formidable challenge, especially in light of varying viewpoints on the 6G spectrum across Europe.

Matinmikko-Blue also alludes to the evolution of business models in the wake of 5G. She posits that 6G will engender new business ecosystems involving multiple organisations, prompting a shift in the business model from a company-centric focus to an ecosystem-oriented approach. In this context, she identifies the emergence of new enterprise opportunities centred around various usages of 6G, where value addition will be paramount. Despite this, she acknowledges a transformation in the mobile connectivity business with the onset of 5G, underscoring the enduring licenses held by operators and sustained gains from monthly subscriptions.

Subsequently, she underscores the critical role of understanding user expectations in the transition from 5G to 6G. Citing the disappointment users experienced due to unfulfilled promises with 5G, Matinmikko-Blue emphasises the importance of managing expectations realistically. She suggests striking a careful balance between comprehending the technological capabilities of 6G while meeting users’ expectations. She highlights the vital role of social scientists in facilitating this transition and preventing a potential recurrence of the 5G experience.

Lastly, Matinmikko-Blue stresses the importance of adequate funding for 6G research, citing existing support from national programmes and the European Union. However, she advocates for respecting the agreements of higher-level government entities, such as the EU and the US Trade and Technology Council. In doing so, Matinmikko-Blue accentuates the need for the inclusion of social scientists in the research process to ensure the transition towards 6G is appropriately responsive to societal needs and expectations.

Audience

The discussions centred on two critical aspects within the realm of Innovation and Infrastructure: Spectrum harmonisation and the advancement of 6G network technology. There was a distinct emphasis on the need for Spectrum harmonisation, a challenge stemming from divergent national strategies concerning Spectrum usage and management.

Dr Marie-Méconneau-Ambroux underscored these differences, focusing particularly on the discrepancy observed between Finland and Germany. This sheds light on the more extensive issue of geographic discrepancies in this sphere. Ms Faye Mwangi further highlighted the fragmentation of Spectrum, specifically addressing its uneven distribution and application across distinct regions.

Countering this fragmentation, Mr Angus Stein championed the role of technology, suggesting it as a viable solution. He articulated that with the swift development and application of technology, it could be a decisive tool in addressing such challenges, promoting harmonisation and more efficient utilisation of Spectrum.

The conversation shifted towards the development of 6G networks and the degree of standardisation required for its evolution. It was noted that several standards are currently operating for 4G and 5G networks, reflecting a variation in regional requirements and technical abilities among nations. Intriguingly, each country tends to propose different standards to meet their specific needs.

The dialogue, however, turned to the possibility of needing fewer standards for the evolution of 6G. Mass production was recognised as a potent force guiding this tactic. The large-scale production and global consumption of technology could demand more unified standards to streamline manufacturing processes and reduce complexity.

In conclusion, the various viewpoints illuminated the intricacies of Spectrum harmonisation and 6G network progression. They identified opportunities for technology to bridge gaps and further standardise approaches while allowing for diversity to accommodate unique circumstances and needs where necessary. These discussions deepened understanding about the complexity of harmonising communication technology and the concept of standardisation in 6G network development.

Moderator

The discussion primarily centred around the potential challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on 5G and 6G technologies. The debate assembled an array of experts ranging from policy geniuses, tech gurus, business model strategists to individuals contributing insights from developing nations, creating a comprehensive discussion.

The participants emphasised the instrumental need for harmonisation and standardisation of equipment, perceiving it to be fundamental for sustainability and accessibility. In talks on developing African nations and other outlier regions, the active role these areas are playing in international tech debates was applauded. They identified the lack of harmonisation and standardisation as a potential cause for issues such as lack of interoperability and fragmented spectrum use.

In unison with these sentiments, a consensus unfolded on the need to remodel traditional regulations to cater for the ever-evolving digital age. It was brought to light that obsolete regulatory tools, such as call termination, necessitate a reassessment. Regulators are evolving into more digitally savvy entities, with focus skewing more towards research than regulating.

Another central point made was about the vital role of regulators in understanding the nuances of the technologies they regulate. The importance of a neutral platform as a learning spot for comprehending operational frameworks was also highlighted.

A significant portion of the discourse revolved around the ‘sandbox concept’, distinguished as an effective platform for trialling new business models as well as technologies. Narratives of these trials mentioned a two-year time frame to convince a telco to test the sandbox scheme, endorsing a realistic collaboration amongst industry, academia, and suppliers.

The discussion touched on spectrum sensitivity, acknowledging its impact on neighbours and thus accentuating the need for careful usage. This factor supports the premise that policy evolution can be accomplished by creating persuasive ecosystems making a viable case for change.

Dividing views amongst nations on the spectrum aspect of 6G development emerged as a major concern, with numerous European countries showing disinterest in any spectrum for 6G. However, within this debate, the concept of multiple proposals for 6G standards also materialised. Despite challenges, some participants welcomed the notion of accepting multiple 6G standard proposals.

The sustainability of the prevailing subscription model for telecom services was also questioned, underpinned by the increasing financial burden related to escalating infrastructure costs. Advocacy for alterative business models, drawing upon the S-line model by Docomo, were seen as more adaptable with the potential for broader market access.

The dialogue ensured consideration for developing countries where the cost of adopting progressive technologies such as 6G could be prohibitive. The panel concurred that device costs were a significant consideration in these regions, reflecting the recurring theme of inclusivity in the conversations.

Further expounding on the argument, participants underscored the importance of funding in both academia and industry to pioneer advancements in 6G technology. Alongside this, the necessity to instil key principles such as sustainability, inclusiveness and trust in 6G research was also highlighted as a focal point for 6G pursuits.

The conversation concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging the need to continue discussions and collaborations centred on these themes. The moderator reiterated the importance of understanding variations among different nations and regions, suggesting this as a key factor in propelling collaboration and research for future networks. Stakeholders expressed interest in prolonging these important discussions, maintaining a forward-thinking, and future-oriented focus on the trajectory of technology.

Abhimanyu Gosain

The evolution of telecommunications standards, primarily 5G and 6G, is significantly influenced by public-private partnerships and collaborations. Abhimanyu Gosain’s influential work with the National Science Foundation and over 35 global industry member companies has founded the vision for future networks. His blueprint and reference architectures have been adopted by research groups worldwide, indicative of the pivotal role partnerships play in progressing telecommunications.

A shift towards more energy-efficient and virtualised networks is crucial for future advancements. The recent deployment of 5G underlined the need for such networks, despite revealing its shortcomings in energy efficiency. Accordingly, the argument stipulates that 6G should be more adaptive and energy-conscious than its predecessor.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation stand at the core of these future networks. Automation across various infrastructure facets is deemed necessary for network optimisation. Moreover, reliable AI models are key in safeguarding data privacy and security. Progress in AI and machine learning is expected to offer more refined control over available spectrum voxels.

However, these advancements present certain challenges. Regulatory concerns demand immediate resolution to ensure seamless network functioning. As AI and machine learning become central to networks, understanding and explicability of these AI systems take precedence.

Whilst technological adoption is growing worldwide, high device costs due to royalties could impede progress in developing countries. Hence, addressing device cost could fast-track technology adoption rates.

Global collaboration efforts are burgeoning to realise future networks beyond 5G and 6G. Collaborations between governments, industries, and academic researchers promote unified viewpoints, connecting disparate stakeholders and aligning regional competencies for international cooperation. This presents an opportunity for various regions to contribute to a more substantial and collaborative global system.

However, the consumer response to 5G indicates a disparity between expectations and delivery. This highlights the need to reassess the existing ‘build-it-and-they’ll-come’ mentality, ensuring both technological advancements and consumer expectations are met.

In conclusion, the success of future networks relies on a co-developmental and collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders from inception. This allows the creation of standards and spectrum allocation that align with all parties’ interests. These insights underscore the significant role of international collaboration, AI integration, and regulatory management in shaping the future of telecommunications.

Speakers