As the telecommunications industry pivots from 5G-Advanced (Release 19) toward the next frontier, 3GPP Release 20 stands as the definitive bridge to IMT-2030. For standards strategists and research engineers, this release is not merely an incremental update; it represents a fundamental shift in how global cellular networks will be architected.
1. 3GPP Release 20: The 6G Study Timeline
While Release 19 (expected in late 2025) completes the final normative work for 5G-Advanced, Release 20 marks the official commencement of 6G technical studies. 2222This release is designed to align with the ITU-R IMT-2030 schedule, ensuring that the first 3GPP 6G technical specifications are submitted before the 2030 deadline. 3333+4
Key Milestones in the 6G Roadmap:
- September 2024: Approval of Stage 1 (SA1) 6G study items, focusing on use cases and service requirements.
- March 2025: A pivotal TSG-wide 6G Workshop held in Incheon, Korea, to define overall radio and system priorities.
- June 2025: Commencement of RAN and SA2 Study Items (SI) to explore technical radio and core architecture solutions.
- March 2027: Completion of the Release 20 6G studies, providing the baseline for normative work.
- 2027/2028: Transition to Release 21, which will deliver the first formal 6G technical specifications for IMT-2030.
2. Why 6G is a “Standalone-Only” Vision
In a major departure from the 5G rollout, there is a global industry consensus that 6G (6GR) will adopt a Standalone (SA) architecture from “Day 1.” This strategic shift is informed by several lessons learned from the challenges of 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) deployments.
A. Reducing Architectural Complexity
The transition from 5G NSA to SA was hampered by high system complexity and excessive architectural options. By mandating a single SA architecture for 6G, the industry aims to simplify deployment and improve operational efficiency.
B. AI-Native and Cloud-Native Foundations
Unlike 5G, where AI and cloud features were often retrofitted, 6G is being designed from the ground up as AI-Native and Cloud-Native. A Standalone-only approach provides the necessary “clean slate” to implement:
- Intelligent Automation: Al-driven network optimization and self-healing.
- Distributed Computing: Seamless integration of Edge and Cloud-Native computing to support ultra-low latency.
C. Enhanced Feature Support
Many advanced 5G features, such as Network Slicing, saw slow adoption because they were difficult to implement on legacy NSA hybrid cores. A native 6G SA architecture ensures that high-value features like Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are supported natively across the entire ecosystem.
3. Beyond Connectivity: The 6G “Usage Scenarios”
ITU-R Recommendation M.2160 defines a “Wheel Diagram” of six primary usage scenarios for 6G. While three are extensions of 5G (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC), three are entirely new pillars:
- Ubiquitous Connectivity: Bridging the digital divide via NTN/Satellite integration.
- AI and Communication: Networks that not only support AI but are optimized by it.
- Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC): Enabling the network to act as a “radar” for environmental awareness.
Technical Summary Table
| Feature | 5G (IMT-2020) | 6G (IMT-2030) Target |
| Architecture | Hybrid (NSA & SA) | Standalone (SA) Only |
| Peak Data Rate | ~20 Gbps | Targeting up to 100+ Gbps |
| Latency | ~1 ms | Sub-millisecond (0.1 – 1 ms) |
| AI Integration | Optional / Add-on | AI-Native Design |
| Sensing | No native support | Integrated Sensing (ISAC) |