National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Explores Future of Government Role

While 5G deployment continues nationwide, the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is looking ahead to a sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication technology.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson calls it a next step in the mobility technology evolution. 

“While we are still realizing the full benefits of 5G, it is not too early to be planning for 6G,” Davidson said. “We look forward to learning more about this next-generation technology and how we can harness the innovations it will bring.”

However, 6G technology is in its infancy with implementation not expected until at least 2030. Nevertheless, industry sources predict possible data downlink rates as high as one terabit per second (more than 50 times faster than 5G) with advances in wireless, semiconductor, materials and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning capabilities. This will require standardization and policies and impact short- and long-term communication-related information technology procurements.

In a December 2023 report, the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC) 6G subcommittee advised NTIA to “prioritize its long-term, strategic planning and preparation for next-generation communication technologies.” Following the report, U.S. government officials met with representatives from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom to discuss future 6G policies and global standardization. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity, the group developed the following shared principles:

• Trusted Technology that is Protective of National Security    
• Secure, Resilient, and Protective of Privacy    
• Global Industry-led and Inclusive Standard Setting & International Collaborations    
• Cooperation to Enable Open and Interoperable Innovation       
• Affordability, Sustainability, and Global Connectivity  
• Spectrum and Manufacturing    

The NTIA followed up with a Request for Comments (RFC) in May on the Advancement of 6G Telecommunications Technology to help define the U.S. government's role in policy development and support for future 6G technology. The RFC covered four specific areas:

• Enabling 6G Success
• 6G and Beyond Research and Development
• 6G Safety, Security, and Environmental Concerns
• Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee 6G report.

Questions requested feedback about designing, manufacturing, deploying and operating 6G networks/equipment. The agency asked for input on barriers to enabling non-traditional venues such as an academic “non-public” network (NPNs) to provide 5G-Advanced and 6G services versus the current Mobile Network Operators. Other questions included:

• What infrastructure issues currently inhibit 5G deployment? How can infrastructure be improved to enable a smooth and speedy deployment of 6G?
• What developments in 6G technology could accelerate replacement of obsolete technologies?
• How could 6G improve network resiliency during disaster and recovery operations, such as in hurricane response and other natural and man-made disasters that impact network performance?
• How could 6G improve public safety and first responder mission-critical communications?
• Are there any concerns about the energy efficiency of 6G equipment and networks?
• What cybersecurity challenges have been faced in the development and deployment of 5G technology? How can such challenges be prevented in the development and deployment of 6G technology?

Research and development (R&D) that may address some of these questions are underway. Current contracts include the Commerce's NIST contract for Support Services for NIST ITL 6G Core Networks Project, the Navy’s 5G to Next G Advanced Wireless Communications Open BAA and the Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons. NASA’s 10-year SEWP VI contract will also provide future 6G support.

So, while the current focus remains on 5G deployment and implementation, when 6G becomes a reality the anticipated increase in speed and processing will require faster processors, larger hard drives, higher capacity storage devices and increased bandwidth. This will provide many opportunities for established and emerging technology companies. Additionally, this will require professional and administrative services to maintain security compliance, develop internal policies and procedures and provide training.

Firms already rooted in the 5G market should start planning now to compete in this market. Emerging technology and R&D companies not established in 5G should expand their footprint to include these services if they want to participate in this technology evolution. Industry can expect potential opportunities through Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer grants and federal procurements as 5G moves into 5G-Advanced and on to 6G.

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