Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) face increasing complexity in mobile networks and must simplify their service offerings to remain competitive. Key technological trends driving simplification include Cloud Native architectures, Agentic and Generative AI, federated network services, and advancements in optical fiber technology. Agile working methods are also crucial for MNOs to deliver new services quickly [8][9] Summary by Sections Introduction - MNOs are managing complex systems due to rapid technological evolution and must adapt to diverse use cases beyond traditional consumer services. The goal is to create flexible, on-demand virtual networks with dedicated resources and guaranteed service characteristics [10][11] Path Towards Network Simplification - Technology Adoption Challenges - Key technological trends facilitating simplification include: - Transition from virtualized to cloud-native architecture, enhancing agility and operational efficiency [16] - Shift from AI/ML analytics to Agentic/Generative AI for more autonomous network operations [17] - Evolution of transport network technology focusing on maximizing existing fiber connections [18] - Standardization of Telco APIs for federated network services [19] Challenges with Technology Adoption - MNOs face challenges in adopting technology across three domains: Radio, Core, and Transport. Each domain has unique lifecycle constraints and operational complexities that must be addressed for successful simplification [21][23] RAN Domain - The RAN domain is critical and complex, facing challenges such as legacy technology removal, hardware consolidation, and operational complexity. MNOs are exploring technologies like RAN disaggregation and AI for network planning [25][30] Core Network Domain - Simplification in the core network is driven by the need for dynamic scaling and operational efficiency. Challenges include legacy OSS/BSS systems and the need for a flexible architecture to support diverse service offerings [42][44] Transport Network Domain - MNOs encounter challenges in transforming transport networks due to multiple suppliers and the need for security upgrades. The introduction of quantum-secure cryptographic solutions is also a consideration [58][59] Proposed Framework for Evolution Towards a Simplified Network - MNOs should prioritize technology and non-technology enablers based on their unique contexts and the simplification benefits they can achieve. A stepwise approach is recommended to map enablers to specific domains and understand implementation challenges [70][71] Key Considerations for Prioritization - Different stages of MNO network evolution (Advanced 5G, Mid 5G, Early 5G) require tailored prioritization of enablers, focusing on aspects like service creation, data readiness, and organizational transformation [76][80]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the 6G industry Core Insights - The NGMN Alliance emphasizes that 6G is not merely another generational shift but must be evolutionary, creating value for both end users and operators [9] - Global harmonization of 6G standards is essential, building upon 5G features while avoiding past mistakes [10] - The report identifies four key categories of use cases that will shape the future of mobile networks, focusing on tangible customer pull [11] - Sustainability, trustworthiness, and innovation are highlighted as critical design goals for 6G [16] Summary by Sections 6G Use Cases - NGMN has categorized use cases into four key areas: Enhanced Human Communications, Enhanced Machine Communications, Enabling Services, and Network Evolution [15] Requirements and Design Considerations - Future communication networks must be environmentally friendly, economically sustainable, and capable of supporting innovative services [13] - High-level requirements include mobility, connectivity, AI, sensing, and cost implications [14] Network Architecture Evolution - 6G architecture should support demonstrable customer needs and business-driven investments, focusing on modularity, simplicity, and openness [19][20][21] - The report stresses the importance of smooth migration from 5G to 6G, ensuring backward compatibility and reusability of existing infrastructure [29][30] Takeaway Messages - Global standards for 6G should deliver tangible benefits while supporting societal needs [31] - New technologies must justify investments through clear benefits, particularly in spectrum utilization and energy consumption [31] - Modularity, flexibility, and openness are essential for operational efficiency and market-aligned services [31]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the telecommunications industry. Core Insights - The telecommunications industry is actively working to minimize its environmental impacts through collaborative efforts, particularly in emissions assessment and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction across the value chain [4][9]. - The industry faces significant challenges in aligning with evolving regulations for environmental reporting, which necessitates a unified approach among stakeholders [5][12]. - Accurate carbon emissions reporting is essential for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and requires a shift from financial to primary emission factors to enhance precision [6][48]. Summary by Sections Introduction - The telecommunications sector is under increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets due to escalating global environmental concerns, particularly regarding GHG emissions [11][12]. - The industry aims to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2030, with many companies setting Net Zero Carbon targets for 2040 [12][14]. Environmental Sustainability and Reporting Challenges - The ICT industry contributes approximately 1.7% of global GHG emissions, with a significant portion stemming from network infrastructure and devices [21][22]. - MNOs face challenges in adapting to various sustainability reporting standards, which can be overwhelming due to their diversity and complexity [26][27]. - Accurate data collection for environmental impact is more challenging than financial accounting, necessitating improved tools and processes [29][30]. Recommendations and Collaboration - Enhanced collaboration between MNOs and manufacturers is crucial for improving sustainability reporting and achieving shared environmental goals [8][9]. - The adoption of advanced carbon accounting tools is recommended to facilitate better emissions reporting [6][19]. Conclusions and Recommendations - The report emphasizes the need for industry-wide cooperation to effectively address environmental challenges and contribute to global climate action efforts [9][12]. - MNOs should prioritize environmental impact in their business strategies and integrate sustainability criteria into their operations [6][12].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The evolution towards 6G network architecture is in its early stages, with varying levels of 5G maturity among Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) leading to diverse perspectives on the evolution path [10] - 6G aims to address gaps and limitations of 5G, including network complexity, energy efficiency, limited coverage, and scalability [11][25] - The architecture must support new scenarios and requirements, including AI, sensing, and immersive communications [12][32] - Key design principles for 6G architecture include enabling innovation, modular deployment, operational simplicity, sustainability, and trustworthiness [14][49] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - NGMN initiated studies to guide network architecture evolution towards 6G, exploring key factors influencing architecture changes, design principles, and challenges [9] Factors Influencing Architecture Evolution - 5G has introduced significant advancements but still faces challenges such as network complexity and energy efficiency [11][25] - New scenarios and requirements for 6G include support for IMT-2030 capabilities and new services like AI-driven interactions and sensing-assisted communication [12][32] - The potential for a new air interface and emerging technologies must be carefully evaluated to manage complexity [13][35] 6G Network Architecture Design Principles - The architecture should facilitate innovation and be designed for sustainability, security, and resilience [49][50] - Key principles include modular deployment, operational simplicity, and ensuring interoperability with existing networks [54][60] Challenges & Way Forward - The transition from 5G to 6G faces challenges such as achieving consensus during standardization and managing complexity [66][69] - NGMN emphasizes the need for collaboration across the industry to ensure a successful transition and to develop migration strategies [67][68]