6G • Core Network
3GPP Release 20 (6G Phase 1)
Third Generation Partnership Project Release 20 First Normative 6G Standard
The first official normative technical specification defining the 6G air interface, AI-native architecture, and initial commercial deployments.
Technical Explanation
Scheduled for delivery in 2027-2028, 3GPP Release 20 represents the formal specification of 6G Phase 1. It codifies the unified 6G air interface, AI-native protocol stacks, sub-THz and FR3 numerologies, cell-free massive MIMO radio access, and cloud-native service-based core network architecture to enable early trial commercial rollouts by 2029-2030.
Key Functions
- Freezes the first normative technical specifications for 6G physical and MAC layers
- Standardizes native AI/ML protocol interfaces across base stations and user terminals
- Codifies FR3 (7-24 GHz) and sub-THz (100-300 GHz) spectrum channelizations
- Delivers commercial blueprint for early 2030 flagship telecom operator launches
Specifications
3GPP Release 20 Timeline, TSG RAN/SA Plenary 6G Mandates
Interfaces
6G-Uu Phase 16G Service-Based Core Architecture
Related 6G Concepts
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