Washington, DC, October 15, 2026 — The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), a leading technology and solutions development organization for the information and communications technology industry, and the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), the central global forum for shaping 5G in the industrial domain, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic agreement formalizes the two organizations’ intention to collaborate within their respective domains to promote and support the development of a global ecosystem for industrial wireless communications, with a particular focus on industrial 5G.    

The MoU was signed by ATIS on behalf of its Next G Alliance, 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 Next G Alliance 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 Next G Alliance on the evolution toward 6G. 

“ATIS brings together key stakeholders across the information and communications technology industry to create forward-looking 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.” 

About 5G-ACIA

The 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) is the central global forum for driving and shaping Industrial 5G. 5G-ACIA members jointly prepare for the transformation that 5G will bring, promote a better understanding of industrial needs, and gain insights into a rapidly expanding emerging market. 5G-ACIA provides a unique platform for OT (operational technology) and ICT (information and communication technology) companies, academia, and all relevant stakeholders to influence the development and deployment of 5G/6G in line with industrial imperatives. Supported by a strong ecosystem of member organizations, 5G-ACIA promotes and demonstrates Industrial 5G in many ways. 5G-ACIA publishes relevant white papers, organizes dedicated web seminars, runs an innovative testbed program, and represents the voice of the industrial domain towards relevant organizations. As a Market Representation Partner, 5G-ACIA contributes to 3GPP – the leading standardization body for 5G/6G worldwide.
5G-ACIA is a working party of ZVEI – German Electro and Digital Industry Association.
www.5g-acia.org.