Gabriel Brown, Heavy Reading (00:00):
I'm particularly looking forward to our next session where actually I don't have to moderate. All I'm going to do is introduce our session moderator. We'll then follow up with two sessions, one on regional outlooks for some of the input from around the world. And then finally look at O Ran four industry verticals before we go to lunch. So as we see, still have a few people coming in. I'm just going to give it one minute Paco and then we're going to go for it. Okay, on that note, let's have Paco please come to the stage. Paco Matam from Vodafone. He's going to take us through this session. Paco please.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (00:48):
Really excited to be here again in Barcelona to go through one very, very important topic which is how we are going to be collaborating on alliance and three GP as Gabriel was saying Paco Martin. I am head of open round for Vodafone group and I have the pleasure to have we meet to very important panelist. So Kay from the Como and Ulrich from Nokia, please join me in the stage. So both have very, very deep knowledge and experience in developing standards many, many years in the industry and we are really looking forward to having this conversation. 60 seems to be far but obviously the work as started already actually we started when we look at the OR alliance already 2022, the next generation research group was started and even after that 2023 we have started the work on how to coordinate with the 3G BP.

(02:26):
I think the key message is how can one plan, one plus one be more than two, how we make it three. So in that sense, apart from the willingness to collaborate, that is definitely there is how we action things. What are the key challenges, what is the plan? We're going to be talking about all this, but I wanted to start saying that there is something very important that is going to be happening in the short term April and end of the month 24, 20 fifth. So we are organizing a joint workshop in Sophia Antipolis in France. Nice place certainly whether hopefully we'll start to be good at the time, but certainly we want to encourage everybody working in standards, everybody willing to contribute to please come and participate because we need to shape not only what are we going to be doing, but how do we get there And it is the first time we get too serious, we get serious on something.

(03:34):
Obviously we've been around for quite some time, but 60 is I would say the first time we get there from the very beginning. So everything, when you start you need to start in the right way. So this is the key point from the point now. So I would like to start asking my two colleagues for a very short introduction. You'll see, I don't want to get into details, but you'll see there is a little bit more from Ridge maybe on the three P side and then key from the Como playing a lot of role in openness and oral alliance from my side. We are really happy working with the Como and we have very good collaboration over the years. But please can you tell us a little bit about you and

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (04:30):
Thank you. So first of all, hi everyone. Thank you for coming this session and thank you for having me. I'm Kei from DoCoMo. I'm a co-chair of working for, which is a open front hall working group. So I'm very excited to have this session with Nokia and we'd like to share our views from our operator's point of view and I hope this session will contribute the future success of six G. Thank you.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (05:08):
Thank you, Ulrich.

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (05:09):
Yeah, I'm happy and also slightly surprised that I was invited again. I was invited 2019 at this event. At that time I had quite some critical comment on the quality of the work in Orran and since then of course a lot has happened and why I mentioned that other than this sort of opening remark is course in order to collaborate the quality of the work in terms of specification generation, in terms of compliance to WTO voluntary standard, I think of course the organization need to be on a good level and a lot has happened, maybe some also triggered by external events that led to openness and right now of course there's important event as we start six G. So we cannot, of course we come maybe to the next question on that when we talk about the collaboration, maybe we should start about sort of the journey of six G and of course we evolve the architecture and all that but at the essence of six G, it starts of course with being a new radio technology and we have a important event in Sofia and Pulis on the collaboration of Oran and three gb but even more significant when it comes purely to six G, the kick of the standardization of six G.

(06:38):
I'm glad to see in this I'm the MWC. This plays only a small role because we have a lot of work to do to develop the new technologies starting from having a new radio and then an architecture which supports that

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (06:56):
You mentioned in architecture, what would be the main changes you foresee that we'll have to do four 60.

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (07:08):
So we will have a radio access and the core network and I guess the most important change in particular in here is, and this is what we discuss at this session that we want to enable from day one, the realization of a disaggregated run then specified the relevant interfaces. We go into that in Oran and let's say a bespoke run but having the commitment of this two organization of achieving that goal, I think the most important topic is that we agree baseline is that we agree on that intent. We here all agree on that intent. Not everybody in this industry agrees on that intent. There are player which are purely Oran focused who agree on that intent. There are players maybe from China on the infrastructure side who also do not agree to that intent, but there is a large consensus that agrees on that intent that we enable the disaggregated run specified by Oran and the realization on the bespoke run of the new radio technology in the day one. So if somebody is intending to deploy six G in 2030, both options are supported in the standard that intent and way of working we did not have in 5G and I think that is sort of a from that everything else follows that we have that commitment of the industry to make that happen.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (08:53):
Very, very good point. Kei, will you add anything on what are the key changes we expect?

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (08:58):
Yes, so for six era we need clear work speed between two organizations. So we need to avoid any conflict and fragmentation between two organizations and we will make a better good mutual understanding in this joint workshop and we believe this will help the future success of six G and we need to make both 3G PPP and Orang specification available at the same time. So as already discussed in this today's session, our 5G all base stations comply with open front hall so we like to achieve such a success in the six G day one as well. So we need to prepare to make the voice specification available at 60 day one. That is very important thing.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (10:13):
Yeah. Okay. So key point is the collaboration, right? So between the two organizations, you have already mentioned some of the points being there at the right time for example and the willingness to actually do something together. But how would you frame what they need to do and what would be your key comments on what's important, what's essential for the outcome Eventually we want to be successful, so what would be the key ingredients for that?

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (10:52):
This workshop will be key. So I guess

(10:54):
At the moment the first point I mentioned, I think this will be important to state at this workshop is that intent that we all agree and out of that intent also to understand, to have an understanding of the work split. Of course there are studies like this six G research which was done in the Orhan alliance and similar work. But now if you look at six G, the architecture only follows the radio. So if you look at this from the three GP work perspective, everything which covers the radio interface is maybe that big and then everything which covers the radio architecture is that big. So that means also that in the six G journey as such, undisputable three GP is the master because we do an architecture which satisfies, which supports the new radio. So that means the timeline needs to, we have the workshop next week on the three GB timeline, so then the OR timeline should fit into that. And of course then we have to look into the decision making that we get basic decisions which impact the radio where we then understand what are the requirements for example of a frontal specification,

(12:24):
What are the data which are exposed, which then is sort of where Orran is working on. Of course studies should continue but when it comes to the specification, I think that the base must be founded in three GP relevant to the six G technology as such. And then the disaggregation virtualization exposure, open frontal interface work has to be done in Oran.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (12:57):
So it's important to align the timelines and it's very important to start with the three GPP direction on what CG is and then build on top of that with the open interfaces. Right? Why would you add to that?

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (13:12):
Yeah, so regarding that timeline perspective, so this joint workshop is a kickoff to establish the good friendly relationship with C-G-P-P-N orang. So as you know, three PP has already studied the study item and in June the working level study item in D 20 is expected. So we think it's beneficial for orang to monitor the three GP study item situation and identify orang potential impact and after that if 3G PP created a new work item in release 21, then around we'll need to specify or specification in parallel, otherwise the 60 day one or compliant specification will we direct. So that's a timeline, the key point.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (14:20):
What would you say are the biggest challenges for us to work? What are the things we need to sort out I think what are the risks on this engagement? What do you think?

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (14:38):
I see a lot of positive on that engagement, so I wouldn't say about risk, but we are more thinking about what we need to do to make it happen. Okay, so I said the wide consensus, not unanimity, but a white consensus of the protagonist to make that happen is a prerequisite and then we need to make sure if we make this agreement in a workshop on the work split and the way of working and of course then we need to follow up and the follow up there. Of course different level of follow up, like the formal follow up to kind of send back and forth LIA liaison statement and all. But at the end of the day, DoCoMo and Nokia and others are the main protagonists in both organizations. Even my personal background is more three GP, but our company is one of the most active in Orran.

(15:32):
It has to be the companies who with their own structure are also feel accountable to do that. So to make sure that the workplace is maintained, I think that is probably the key. Nobody formally, nobody would prevent Orhan to work on something nobody formally would prevent, I don't know three GP to do a front row specification, but it must be the willingness of other companies to maintain that workspace. Of course having a frequent checkup maybe that the works with is maintained, but if the large enough companies are interested on it and there are economic drivers for that as well, then I believe I don't see major risk. I see this as a rewarding journey into six G. That's good.

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (16:29):
Yeah, so this kind of official areas statements exchange is beneficial. On top of that, the internal tight coordination in each company is also very important to maintain the schedule. So we are very confident to achieve the overall compliant six G future.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (17:00):
Very good. I'll ask her next question but then I will also want to give some time for anybody in the audience if you want to ask something. So please think about your question if you have it. When it comes to the actual technology and the things that we expect to have in 60, what do you think is the role that we are going to see in intelligent networks and automation? For example, you can start now.

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (17:28):
Yes, so the AI is one of the key features. So in orang architecture we have a non-time leak and a near-time leak and we think for six G we will get closer to more daytime operation. So that is a one key and for automation perspective, so the one key thing is to have good management system. So now automation will be in 5G, not only six G but also in 5G. But we need to establish the good common management system of automation functions. That is one key thing. That's our view. Thank you.

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (18:34):
Intelligent of course supporting AI ML and being based on AI is one of the key elements of designing six G. So 3G BP will design a six G, an AI enabled six G air interface, six G architecture and of course the exposure of data. And then when it comes to real-time risk, non-real time risk and the exposure of data and method to support A IML, that's of course the role of or so I think this very naturally goes with the split of the organization. We could ask the same question when it comes to security and if you have the split on responsibility clear, I think we get the clear answer also when it comes to management, when it comes to security as it is when it comes to automation of course or has a more significant role to play, but I think it clearly derives from the different layers that this organization operate.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (19:47):
Very clear. Very clear. Thank you. Okay, let's see. Do we have any question from the audience at this point? Anybody? Okay, don't have a microphone. I'm not sure. Maybe you repeat the question again.

Audience Question #1 (20:17):
We talked about the joint workshop of three GPP and or it's very important. I'm here for this meeting by the way. In addition, I didn't hear anything about the platform standardization because I'm working on a hands-on or an integrations, but platform is also main problem. Are we planning to invite the platform providers like Kubernetes, OpenShift sector because when you are trying to integrate different c, D or U is on the other part, the platform is also make difference. So is the platform will be in the 3G PP RN standards?

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (21:02):
I think you are obviously more than welcome. I think you key six G stakeholder for this to happen. So I would say yes, obviously you need to be part of it. So come and join the workshop. That would be my answer. Maybe Chile, you want to ask something?

Audience Question #2 (Chih-Lin I) (21:24):
I would interpret it the question as the virtualization and classification technology aspect and I think or already said earlier related to that most likely that will stay with or ran in the work split. Is that correct?

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (21:40):
Yes. The run virtualization says with or the

Audience Question #2 (Chih-Lin I) (21:44):
Virtualization

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (21:45):
There has been work on virtualization with the platform doing in other activities. Absolutely like network function virtualization. I don't think it is strictly speaking on the relationship between Oran and three GB three GB certainly will not touch that.

Audience Question #2 (Chih-Lin I) (22:03):
It's clear understand

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (22:03):
But of course there is some relationship of oran and then other things like certain open source activities and then network function virtualization activity which are more relevant for platform players.

Audience Question #2 (Chih-Lin I) (22:17):
Those are very important partners that I think orran up to now has already been engaging a lot of those including ays, N-F-V-I-S-G.

(22:28):
Oran from day one is much more focused on container based platform technology rather than full fledge virtual machine for rent.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (22:41):
Very good. More questions Gabriel, you were going to add something? Okay, anybody has a question else?

Audience Question #3 (22:51):
Okay, you just mentioned your target is to legalize a unified 3G standard both for 3G, PPP and alignment align. But I want to know because in 3G, PPP and Orion, the release is different. So if you want to reach the unified 3G standard, how to you make alignment between these two release? This is my question or still different schedule for the release line or you have some alignment between these two organizations for the release?

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (23:35):
Yeah, it is three GP but we are no longer doing the 3G standard. It's a six G standard. So just that there's no irritation here. So you want to answer?

Kei Ando, NTT DOCOMO (23:49):
Yeah, actually this alignment discussion is already being discussed in OR alliance and how to achieve the 60 day one publishment where we discussed further and that is a very good point to be discussed for future meeting. But I agree with we need to consider the alignment

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (24:19):
Dr, I think you want to make a remark. Yeah, thank you.

Audience Question #2 (Chih-Lin I) (24:25):
We have to admit that CGPP is much more mature in its risk management or alliance while being a much younger organization initially was having basically three rounds of release per year. We have three what we call trained batches of new specs being delivered and published three times a year. But on top of that, about three years ago or four years ago, we have overlapped on top A MVP practice, minimum viable package or portfolio. And with that we have, I think earlier I tried to show that we have just completed our fourth release in July last year and the next release release five, well come November this year. But while we are having this discussion with CGVP in preparation for the alignment work for six G partnership, definitely I think we will probably depend on CGVP to take the lead on the major release milestones and then see how we can adapt and match it so that we can be lockstep together.

Ulrich Dropmann, Nokia (25:47):
And I also don't think that this is a major, I don't think it's a major topic and the fact that 3G BP has this more mature release management is also because the reason it defines the radio interface. So this is a much more standardized interface than of course we standardized then between network elements but that is sort of much more rigid and also then providing them from there into r and d and into interoperability testing. I think the alignment, as Dr. E was saying between the timeline will happen as we discuss in Oran to meet the target. If we have the target in our mind, make sure day one of six G one is able to purchase equipment in a bespoke architecture and in the disaggregated architecture worked by or and 3G BP. If you have that objective as an industry, I think there is no problem to overcome those small topics.

Francisco Martín Pignatelli, Vodafone (26:56):
Thank you. The time past so quickly, the session is kind of finishing now. The good thing is that the discussion will continue is the beginning. I want to thank you all and Kay for being here today and also Gabrielle and everybody in the audience. I would just like to finish highlighting that the time is is important, time is of essence, that we are aligned and we are doing it, that we are having this conversation at the right time. I think that's very important and I also want to highlight what Aldi was saying about the spirit optimism and collaboration that we can see. So let's go for it and hope we can see you, many of you in France soon. Thank you very much. Enjoy the rest of the week. Thank you. Thank you.