6G-IA and 5G Media Action Group will collaborate in the field of next-generation communications networks and systems

The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and the 5G Media Action Group (5G-MAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the main aim of collaborating on topics of mutual interest in the field of next-generation communication networks, systems and applications.

In a joint release, the two entities noted that this MoU would enable the exchange of information on joint activities, participation in workshops, meetings or webinars and insightresearch projects and trials.

“With the signature of this MoU, 5G-MAG strengthens collaboration with 6G-IA, the European mobile industry and research community, in jointly developing and applying next-generation technologies to innovative Media services and applications,” said Antonio Arcidiacono, chairperson of the 5G Media Action Group (5G-MAG) Association.

“I welcome this MoU to enhance collaboration between the 5G-MAG and 6G-IA and ensure that future mobile communication systems meet the needs of the media sector,” said Colin Willcock, chairperson of the 6G-IA board.

5G-MAG is a global non-for-profit cross-industry association fostering collaboration between the media and telecom industries to develop solutions based on global Internet, 5G-based access technologies and APIs. The core activities include pre-standards work around requirements, services and applications, as well as post-standards work including the development of profiles and guidelines, building reference tools for validation as well as testing and prototyping.

6G-IA has a wide range of activities, including “beyond 5G” (B5G) and 6G research, pre-standardization activities, policy and regulatory issues, 5G and 6G frequency concepts, international collaboration and verticals’ engagement to shape next-generation industrial use cases.

The main aim of the 6G-IA is to contribute to Europe’s leadership on 5G, 5G evolution and SNS/6G research, the organization said. The 6G-IA represents the private side in both the 5G Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) and the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). In the 5G-PPP and SNS JU, the European Commission represents the public side.

Earlier this year, 6G-IA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation on 5G and 6G with ETSI.

In August 2022, 6G-IA and ATIS’ Next G Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange information regarding their work programs in areas of “mutual interest” in the field of future 6G communication systems and networks.

The Next G Alliance said that the agreement also covers collaboration on joint activities, including workshops, seminars, webinars and trials on 6G-related topics.