ATIS’ Next G Alliance and 5G-ACIA Partner to Promote and Support the Development of a Global Ecosystem for Industrial Wireless Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 — The MoU was signed by ATIS on behalf of its Next G Alliance (NGA), an initiative to advance North American wireless technology leadership over the next decade through private-sector-led efforts. Beyond the 5G aspects, the 5G-ACIA collaboration will also support the work in selected verticals of the NGA Market & Applications Working Group, which is proactively advancing 6G commercialization by aligning market needs, such as those in industrial automation, with emerging 6G technical innovations. For 5G-ACIA, the MoU strengthens international exchange on how current and future wireless technologies can meet concrete industrial requirements, while providing a basis for closer collaboration with the NGA on the evolution toward 6G.

“ATIS brings together key stakeholders across the information and communications technology industry to create solutions that anticipate the ICT industry’s evolving priorities,” said ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller. “Industrial 5G sits at the intersection of connectivity and automation. Getting it right requires the kind of close, sustained collaboration this MoU establishes. By aligning with 5G-ACIA, we create a direct channel to strengthen the ecosystem for industrial automation solutions as we plan the transition to 6G.”

Holger Schönherr, General Chair of 5G-ACIA, noted, “The future of industrial connectivity depends on both business value and continuity. 5G-ACIA is focused on making Industrial 5G economically viable today while ensuring that the evolution to 5G-Advanced and 6G preserves and extends industrial investments. Together with the Next G Alliance, we are combining strengths across regions and industries to shape future wireless technologies that truly serve industrial needs.”