Adrian Scrase joins GSA to bolster 6G standards development

The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) has announced the incorporation of Adrian Scrase into its fold. In his new role, Scrase will lend his wide-ranging expertise in industry standardisation to GSA's working groups batting for the standardisation of 6G. Commercial launch of the first 6G systems is anticipated by 2030, and the embryonic phase of the 6G standardisation process is already ongoing, expecting the first 6G specification in 3GPP Release 21 by 2028.

Reflecting on the future landscape of mobile technology, Joe Barrett, President of the Global mobile Suppliers Association said, "WRC-23 witnessed a global agreement on the growth expansion of 5G worldwide, paving the way for 6G from 2030 onwards." Urging the need for industry-wide consolidation for the setting of 6G standards, Barrett noted, "GSA, representing companies engaged in supplying infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment, devices, applications and mobile support services, has a pivotal convening and advocacy role in this process."

Adrian Scrase, well-known for his exceptional contributions to mobile standardisation, brings to GSA a rich legacy shaped by his tenure at the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). His roles at ETSI, spanning over three decades from 1992 to 2023 included an active participation in the creation of 3GPP and strenuous operational support to the project. It's during his time as Chief Technical Officer, a position he held from 2003, that Scrase acquired extensive experience in governance and management of international standardisation activities and strategies ensuring their success.

Scrase, embracing his new role as Industry Standardisation & Strategy Consultant at GSA said, "Work on 6G has already begun, having successfully delivered standards for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G." Squashing the notion that the water might be smooth sailing for 6G on account of successful completion of earlier generations, Scrase pointed out conceivable challenges lying ahead for the mobile industry. Assuring his commitment, he added, "I'm pleased to be assisting GSA in this essential work and to continue contributing to standardization in general and mobile standardization in particular."

The GSA, supported by nine executive members including major industry players such as Apple, Ericsson, Huawei, MediaTek, Nokia, Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung and ZTE, draws its members from a broad spectrum of the global mobile ecosystem. Its membership comprises over eighty members and associates hailing from diverse backgrounds such as mobile operators, regulators, analyst firms, academia and an extensive vendor community specializing in chipsets to devices and from network equipment to FWA and private mobile specialists. As a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP, GSA also co-operates with other key organisations like ITU, GCF, CITEL, COAI, ETSI, GSMA, CEPT-ECC, ATU, and other regional regulatory bodies.