YOU ARE AT:6G6G apps will be enabled by digital twins and FWA, says NGA

6G apps will be enabled by digital twins and FWA, says NGA

NGA noted that the Fixed Wireless Access white paper covers how FWA services in 6G will play a crucial role in increasing digital equity

ATIS’ Next G Alliance (NGA) announced the release of two new white papers pivotal in shaping the 6G future: 6G Digital Twins Use Cases and Requirements and Fixed Wireless Access.

In a release, the entity noted that both white papers are part of a series showing how 6G will advance innovative new applications developed by the NGA Applications Working Group.

Digital twins (DT) technology involves creating highly detailed and interactive digital replicas of physical objects, systems or environments. These can be used for analysis, simulation and optimization driven by advanced next-generation network capabilities.

Combined with 6G’s native AI integration and joint communication and sensing capabilities, DTs can deliver more accurate predictions, insights and decision-making support for a wide range of applications, NGA said, adding that the white paper focuses on key potential growth areas for the next decade: networks, industrial automation and Smart Cities. The Digital Twins white paper shows how public safety and urban planning are just two of the many sectors poised to be transformed by DT innovation.

Meanwhile, the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) white paper covers how FWA services in 6G will play a crucial role in increasing digital equity. These systems use base stations connected to fixed networks and subscriber units that are spread out over a wide area. In most cases, FWA is up to 50% less expensive than wired broadband. FWA provides affordable high-speed internet access to specific areas, making it a significant means for bridging the Digital Divide in rural, suburban, and urban communities. The use case covered focuses specifically on homes and businesses in rural America.

“While the Next G Alliance is laying the groundwork for 6G innovation, these two new white papers provide examples of this innovation in action,” said ATIS’ Next G Alliance managing director Jaydee Griffith. “The use cases demonstrate the promise that 6G is not just about technology; it is about people — and how 6G can advance critical objectives for a broad range of populations.”

“Aligned with NGA’s Audacious Goals, the Applications Working Group addresses crucial aspects such as real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and sustainability through the DT white paper and emphasizes the enhancement of network efficiency, capacity, and sustainability via the FWA white paper — key factors for next-generation networks supporting Smart Life,” said Ki-Dong Lee, chair of NGA Applications Working Group.

The Next G Alliance was launched by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), as an initiative to advance North American wireless technology leadership over the next decade through private sector-led efforts with the initial focus on as-yet-unstandardized 6G.

In August 2024, NGA published a report that evaluated a range of spectrum management and access mechanisms, including sharing regimes, to maximize North American opportunities in 6G.

The report, “Spectrum Access Mechanisms,” includes assessments of licensed, unlicensed and shared use and considers deployment and operational aspects of incumbent systems in-band or in adjacent bands.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro covers Global Carriers and Global Enterprise IoT. Prior to RCR, Juan Pedro worked for Business News Americas, covering telecoms and IT news in the Latin American markets. He also worked for Telecompaper as their Regional Editor for Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Juan Pedro has also contributed to Latin Trade magazine as the publication's correspondent in Argentina and with political risk consultancy firm Exclusive Analysis, writing reports and providing political and economic information from certain Latin American markets. He has a degree in International Relations and a master in Journalism and is married with two kids.