The 3GPP organization approved work items for Release 21, the first 6G standardization specification, at its 111th TSG SA meeting held in Fukuoka. Simultaneously, the 111th RAN meeting completed approximately 90% of scenario and requirement studies for 6G RAN, with agreement on maximum channel bandwidth of 400MHz downlink and 200MHz uplink for the sub-7GHz band.

According to Juniper Research, initial 6G connection services are expected to begin in 2029, with worldwide 6G connections reaching 4.1 million by year-end. The US and South Korea are predicted to lead early 6G commercialization starting in late 2029, followed by China, Canada, Japan, UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Qatar beginning network operations by end of 2030.

Currently, 3GPP is examining 24 issues defining 6G system foundations including AI integration, computing, and sensing, with 6G commercial deployment expected around 2030.