The Next G Alliance, North America’s premier initiative for advancing 6G technologies, has undergone a significant evolution by transitioning its Green G Working Group into the new Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG). This expands the Working Group’s focus from primarily environmental concerns to a comprehensive framework that integrates environmental, societal, and economic sustainability. By embedding these three dimensions into 6G development, the Group aims to create wireless systems that not only push technological boundaries but also promote responsible, equitable, and economically viable progress. This approach aims to leverage 6G technology to address global challenges such as climate change, the digital divide, and economic resilience, aiming to position North American leadership in sustainable innovation.   

Environmental Dimension: Reducing Footprints for a Greener Future 

The core of environmental sustainability in 6G is minimizing the ecological impact across the entire technology lifecycle, from design and deployment to operation and decommissioning. This means prioritizing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and reduced emissions in networks, devices, and infrastructure. For next-generation wireless systems, this dimension implies a fundamental redesign. Once accomplished though, 6G networks could enable smarter energy management in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture, transforming them into low-carbon operations. Imagine sensors and AI-driven connectivity optimizing power grids or reducing waste in supply chains.  The potential impacts are profound: lower operational costs, regulatory compliance, and measurable contributions to global Net Zero goals.

By promoting environmentally sustainable connectivity solutions and minimizing telecom networks’ ecological footprint, 6G can go beyond aiding in achieving climate action goals. It can also be a catalyst for enabling responsible growth and fostering ecosystems where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. It can help with other benefits such as supporting sustainable supply chains, renewable energy, and sustainable innovation. 

Societal Dimension: Bridging Divides for Equitable Connectivity 

Societal sustainability emphasizes equitable access to maximize societal benefits, by ensuring 6G serves all communities regardless of location or socioeconomic status. Key goals include closing digital divides, expanding essential services like healthcare and education, and supporting innovation in urban, rural, and underserved areas. In the context of next-generation wireless systems, this means 6G will deliver ultra-reliable connectivity to remote regions, enabling telemedicine and health monitoring, remote learning, and access to economic opportunities that were previously out of reach. The implications extend to expanding access overall.  By supporting broad and equitable deployment, 6G can enhance community resilience during crises. This dimension shifts the narrative from technology as a luxury to a fundamental right, where wireless systems become tools for societal upliftment, creating a digital age in which no one is left behind.  

Economic Dimension: Building Viable Models for Long-Term Growth 

Economic sustainability focuses on developing business models that align environmental responsibility and societal benefit with long-term economic growth and profitability. This involves creating new incentives, new value streams, and investment strategies that align environmental and societal goals with financial viability. For 6G, this translates to innovative models where sustainability drives revenue. By monetizing energy-efficient networks or creating markets for sustainable telecom services benefiting end users through lower energy costs and affordable connectivity. Implications include attracting investments in sustainable infrastructure, boosting competitiveness, and ensuring long-term profitability. By evaluating emerging economic indicators, this dimension encourages a marketplace where companies thrive by prioritizing planetary and people-centric outcomes, turning sustainability from a cost center into a profit center with a competitive advantage.  

A Call to Shape a Sustainable 6G Future 

The Next G Alliance’s transition to the Sustainable Development Working Group heralds a balanced 6G era, where environmental protection, societal equity, and economic vitality intersect to drive meaningful change. As North America leads in monitoring global efforts, shaping policies and influencing global sustainability initiatives. These dimensions will not only mitigate risks but unlock opportunities for transformative impact. The future of wireless systems lies in this integrated vision — one that is environmentally sustainable, equitable, and creates prosperity for generations to come.  

Now Is the Time for Action 
We invite stakeholders across the North American telecom ecosystem to engage. Contact ATIS Director of Membership Rich Moran at rmoran@atis.org. 

Join the Sustainable Development Working Group and help shape the future of 6G in North America to be environmentally sustainable, societally responsible, and economically resilient. 

For deeper insights, explore the Next G Alliance’s resources and join the push toward a sustainable 6G world. Access the 6G Library.