Sophia Antipolis, France, 22 December 2025
Today, ETSI announced at its upcoming plenary session on Integrated Sensing And Communications (ISAC) the launch of four new Work Items. These initiatives represent an important step towards shaping the next phase of ISAC, laying the foundations for future networks that integrate advanced sensing functions with communications systems.
The four WIs were identified by ETSI members to integrate security and new technologies such as AI within ISAC’s development as well as solve key architectural issues that researchers at ETSI believe will face 6G. These items include:
Work Item 6 – Enhanced System and RAN Architectures for ISAC
As the industry gets closer to deploying next-generation wireless systems, researchers will need to identify key architectural issues to support 6G. It will also provide important insights for the ISAC architectural eco-system, including deployment considerations, to pave the way for sustainable sensing services.
Work Item 7 – Solutions for Security, Privacy, Resilience and Trustworthiness
As ISAC technologies introduce new forms of environmental and contextual data, WI#7 focuses on ensuring that security, privacy and trustworthiness are embedded at the core of ISAC deployments. It will develop a framework for secure ISAC operations and procedures, which will not only serve ISAC standardisation but also operators and the broader telecoms ecosystem for operationalising ISAC.
Work Item 8 – AIML and Data Handling
AI will play a critical role in interpreting sensing data, enabling situational awareness, and optimising communication processes. The goal of WI#8 will be to enhance interoperability and implementation of AIML-aided ISAC and ISAC-aided AIML in 6G systems.
Work Item 9 – Demonstrability, Adoption and Technology Evolution
To ensure long-term viability, WI#9 will focus on ISAC demonstrability, techno‑economics, and interplay with existing and emerging technologies to help clarify the real business value of ISAC and support the case for its adoption and commercial success in standardised and non-standardised systems.
By approving these WIs, the plenary takes decisive steps to secure ISAC’s long‑term success and dedication to pushing the industry towards a 6G future. Its thorough evaluation of architecture, security, intelligence, and futureproofing reflects a holistic approach to integrated sensing and communications, positioning ETSI at the forefront of next-generation technology development.
"ISAC is entering its next stage of maturity and driving standardisation now is essential to bringing the technology to a wider audience and enabling industry to realise its full benefits", said Alain Mourad, Chair ISAC ISG at ETSI. "The success of any technology is determined by its adoption, and our work within ETSI is helping to define ISAC’s potential and make it accessible as an industrial resource, moving it beyond the confines of research laboratories."
For more information, visit https://www.etsi.org/committee/2295-isac.
About ETSI
ETSI is one of only three bodies officially recognised by the European Union as a European Standards Organisation (ESO). It is an independent, not-for-profit body dedicated to ICT standardisation. With over 900 member organisations from more than 60 countries across five continents, ETSI offers an open and inclusive environment for members representing large and small private companies, research institutions, academia, governments, and public organisations. ETSI supports the timely development, ratification, and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT‑enabled systems, applications, and services across all sectors of industry and society.
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