Technical standards for upcoming technologies

Introduction

The widespread adoption of wireless technologies at a global scale depends on robust consensus over technical standards as well as on the access to the available spectrum. Technical standards are agreed upon through discussions at different international and regional organizations, as well as standard development organizations (SDO). For example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) addresses radio aspects in the Radiocommunication Sector and network aspects of the different technologies in the Standardization Sector. Another example, the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a group that publishes the specifications for mobile technologies, including those beyond 3G (3GPP 2024). Regulators need to be mindful of the work done in the SDOs in order to better anticipate and prepare for new developments and that could require changes in their spectrum frameworks. International standardization provides several benefits for the efficient use of the relevant technology:

The role of ITU in standardization

The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations, serves as a forum for international coordination on telecommunications issues. Its areas of work are divided into three Sectors:

• Radiocommunication (ITU-R);
• Telecommunication standardization (ITU-T);
• Development (ITU-D).

The ITU-R plays a vital role in this ecosystem as it is fully responsible for the international spectrum management and frequency allocations in order to ensure rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services, including those using satellite orbits and minimize interference. ITU-R determines the technical characteristics and operational procedures for a huge and growing range of wireless services and systems. ITU-R also develops technical standards presented in “ITU-R Recommendations” for the management of the radio-frequency spectrum – a finite natural resource that is increasingly in demand due to the rapid development of new radio based services and technologies, such as the enormous growth of mobile, satellite and related communications, and in enabling cutting edge technologies through globally harmonized standards, e.g. ITU-R has been the primary source of the basic specifications for IMT-2000 (3G), IMT-Advanced (4G), IMT-2020 (5G), IMT‑2030 (6G), Digital Television and sound Radio, High Definition Television (HDTV), Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV) and HDR specifications for the world.

The ITU-R Study Groups, beside updating existing technical documentation, develop technical studies and regulatory texts that constitute the basis for decisions to be considered by World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) and applicable worldwide.

ITU-T is the sector most directly involved in standardization efforts. It is responsible for developing and approving the technical standards that allow for the interoperability of devices and communication networks around the world. The ITU-T process of standards development is contribution-led and consensus-based. Similar to ITU-R, the work is divided into various Study Groups focused on specific issues. The ITU-T Study Groups are comprised of representatives from public and private entities. Their work is organized by the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), which is held every four years. In the intervening years, the work of the ITU-T Study Groups is managed by the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. The ITU-T Study Groups produce reports on their areas of focus, which are elevated based on consensus to become ITU-T Recommendations. This multi-stakeholder process is intended to ensure proper representation for all stakeholders in the global technology community.

In addition to developing standards for new technologies, ITU-T regularly reviews and revises existing standards. ITU-T publishes its most recent recommendations on its public website for the general public. Recently revised recommendations include “Signaling architecture of WLAN access networks for interworking with 5G networks”, “Environmental performance scoring of smartphones”, and “Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields”.

ITU-D works to close the digital divide and drive digital transformation to leverage the power of ICTs for economic prosperity, job creation, digital skills development, gender equality, diversity, a sustainable and circular economy, ​and for saving lives. Its work prioritizes those most in need- from people living in the world’s Least Developed Countries to marginalized communities everywhere.​ The sector’s goals are set at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), normally held every four years. Through ITU-D’s two Study Groups, membership shares experiences, presents ideas, exchanges views, achieves consensus on appropriate strategies to address telecommunication/ICT priorities.

Importance of engagement with SDOs

While the ITU is a key player in the adoption of technical standards, several other organizations help to coordinate among stakeholders in the process. Regional standards organizations also play an important role in standards development.

The European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) is an independent, not-for-profit standardization body that works to ensure interoperability and promote standardized testing procedures across the region. Its standards aim to increase the safety and reliability of electronic devices and equipment in the European Union. Regional SDOs such as ETSI serve as a critical intermediary between national governments, corporations, and higher-level standardization organizations.

The 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a global forum that brings together seven regional technical standards organizations, including ETSI, to develop reports and specifications that inform technical standards for telecommunications. Members of 3GPP are companies in the telecommunications sector. Through meetings and the outcomes of issue-focused working groups, 3GPP provides technical standards to support the backwards and forwards compatibility of telecommunications equipment. 3GPP was instrumental in setting the technical standards to support the deployment of 3G technology, and is actively involved in current efforts to continue the development of standards for 5G and 6G. 3GPP notes that ongoing cooperation with ITU-R Working Party 5D, which is responsible for IMT spectrum matters, has created an approach to the creation of new radio interface technologies as well as relevant regulation and spectrum allocations (3GPP 2024).

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is an SDO with its origins in the first applications of electricity for communications. IEEE was formed in 1963 to support the increasing prevalence of television, radar, transistors, and computers. Today, IEEE is comprised of more than 460 000 members in more than 190 countries. It is organized into:

• Local sections within geographic regions;
• Chapters comprised of local members with similar technical interests;
• Societies and technical councils that compose technical divisions;
• Student branches at colleges and universities around the world;
• Student branch chapters; and
• Affinity groups.

IEEE develops its standards through drafts produced by working groups, which are then voted on among members (IEEE 2020). In addition to developing technical standards, IEEE hosts meetings, trainings, and events to inform members of new developments and foster consensus-building. Some of the organization’s recent initiatives include new standards for encoding by artificial intelligence (AI) and low mobility energy efficient networks for broadband access, while other notable topics have included Wi-Fi, e-health applications, wearable sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Examples of standardization efforts

IMT-2020 and IMT-2030

In 2017, the ITU released its first Recommendations for the technical standards for IMT-2020 mobile technologies (ITU 2017). These standards referred the development of the radio aspects of the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks and were published in 2021 (ITU 2021). Work is also ongoing for the satellite component of IMT-2020, which is expected to be completed soon. The technical requirements for IMT-2020 address metrics including download/upload peak data rates, latency, mobility, and energy efficiency. The adoption of technical standards for 5G is an iterative process that involves two major stakeholders: governmental organizations and private sector actors. The ITU process is also complemented by the work carried out by other SDOs.

With the initial IMT-2020 recommendations completed, the ITU turned its attention to the development of IMT-2030 recommendations to guide the development of radio technologies for sixth generation (6G) mobile networks. A 2023 recommendation establishes the framework and overall objectives for the development of IMT-2030 and beyond, including capabilities associated with anticipated usage scenarios and objectives for IMT-2030 development (ITU 2023).

As private companies continue to experiment and develop new technologies, organizations like 3GPP continue to develop new releases of the 5G – and now 6G – standards, which are a key component for the ITU process (3GPP 2023). The ITU will then consider and incorporate those findings into a set of technical standards that will be adopted in a global level.

Limiting radiation exposure

Guidelines that limit human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) are an important aspect of international technical standards (ITU 2022). The advance of new technologies, especially with the deployment of 5G networks, is driving the densification of telecommunications networks. More and more small cells are being deployed, supporting high capacity networks in small high-density areas. Additionally, previous editions of standards for the calculation of maximum acceptable limits, which are often referenced in national regulations, did not include frequency ranges for mmWave bands.

In order to address this situation, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has updated its guidelines on limiting exposure to EMF for the protection of humans exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) in the range 100 kHz to 300 GHz (ICNIRP 2020).

Some countries implement limits stricter than those in the ICNIRP guidelines, when incorporating them into the national regulatory framework. As noted by an ITU study, until 2022 up to 63% of mobile data traffic demands would not be served in countries and regions where EMF limits are significantly stricter than those defined in the ICNIRP guidelines. This emphasizes the need that EMF exposure limits be harmonized worldwide (ITU 2019). Regulators should take the ICNIRP guidelines into consideration and update their national regulatory frameworks to address the limits when using new technologies, such as 5G and small cells.

Key findings

References

3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 2024. About 3GPP. [Online] November 13, 2024. https://www.3gpp.org/about-us.

3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 2023. “3GPP Commits to Develop 6G Specifications.” Press release. December 3, 2023. https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/3gpp-news/partner-pr-6g.

GSMA, 2019. EMF Policy. [Online] April 23. https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/consumer-affairs/emf-and-health/emf-policy.

IEEE, 2020. Developing Standards. IEEE SA. Available at: https://standards.ieee.org/develop/index.html?_ga=2.269033009.1553083295.1591143157-2068812555.1587157927.

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). 2020. “Guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz)”. Health Phys 118(00):000–000; Pre-print. https://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPrfgdl2020.pdf.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 2023. Recommendation ITU-R M.2160: Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2030 and beyond. Geneva: ITU.https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.2160/en.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2021. Recommendation ITU-R M.2150: Detailed specifications of the terrestrial radio interfaces of International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020). Geneva, Switzerland: ITU. https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.2150/en.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2022. Recommendation ITU-R SM.2452 “Electromagnetic field measurements to assess human exposure” https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-SM.2452.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2019. Recommendation ITU-T K. Series Supplement 14: The impact of RF-EMF exposure limits stricter than the ICNIRP or IEEE guidelines on 4G and 5G mobile network deployment. Geneva, Switzerland: ITU. https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-K.Sup14-201909-I.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2017. Report ITU-R SM.2410: Minimum requirements related to technical performance for IMT-2020 radio interface(s). Geneva, Switzerland: ITU. https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-M.2410-2017.