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The rollout of 5G is entering a new phase of maturity. In India, networks have shifted from non‑standalone to stand‑alone architecture, a move that unlocks network slicing, low‑latency services and the upcoming 5G‑Advanced features outlined in 3GPP Releases 18 and 19, while Release 20 is already laying groundwork for 6G. This evolution is mirrored worldwide as operators seek to monetize existing infrastructure and integrate AI to improve service quality and create new revenue streams.
At the same time, 6G research is moving from concept to concrete standards work. The ITU’s IMT‑2030 framework has completed draft performance requirements (February 2026) and evaluation guidelines (June 2026), with a candidate radio‑interface submission window slated for February 2027–February 2029. 3GPP is preparing Release 19 for early 6G research, and commercial deployment is expected in the early 2030s once the later‑2020s milestones are met. International cooperation is evident: a February 2024 joint statement by ten leading nations endorsed shared 6G principles for open, secure connectivity, and Telstra has earmarked $800 million (announced March 2025) to ready infrastructure for a 2030s rollout.
Why it matters: 5G’s transition to SA and AI‑enhanced operations strengthens network reliability and creates premium services, addressing the revenue gap that has challenged operators despite high subscriber numbers. Meanwhile, the emerging 6G standards promise dramatically higher data rates, ultra‑low latency, and integration with satellite and edge‑computing ecosystems, setting the stage for future applications such as immersive XR, autonomous systems and AI‑native networks.
What to watch next: • The ITU’s December 2026 parent‑study‑group approval, which will solidify IMT‑2030’s technical baseline. • 3GPP’s Release 20 work, marking the first formal bridge from 5G‑Advanced to 6G specifications. • National investment plans, like Telstra’s $800 million fund and similar commitments in other markets, for infrastructure upgrades ahead of 6G. • Deployment of AI‑driven network optimization tools that will become foundational for both advanced 5G services and future 6G ecosystems. [[1, 2, 3]]