As the Horizon 2020 framework programme comes to an end and the new Horizon Europe framework programme launches, the 5G IA, as the industrial partner of the 5G PPP, is preparing for the evolution of the 5G activities into the Smart Networks and Services context within the Horizon Europe framework programme.

Please see below the announcement of the changes together with an invitation to all organisations and enterprises to join the new initiative. The letter also highlights some important dates and deadlines that may be important if you want to propose your organisation to be proactive in facilitating these changes in the next period.

Brussels, 10 February 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Subject:   Call for Membership for new ‘Smart Networks and Services’ Association and important deadlines

I hope this letter finds you well in such challenging times.

The 5G Infrastructure Association (5G IA) – https://5g-ia.eu – is preparing for the next chapter in the mobile communications story with the new ‘Smart Networks and Services’ (SNS) European Partnership in the framework of the Horizon Europe programme.

Within the SNS, the 5G IA will be the private side representative, jointly managing the Partnership with the EU. The SNS Partnership aims to support European technological sovereignty on Smart Networks and Services. It will contribute to enable the digital and green transitions and will allow European players to develop the technology capacities for 6G systems as the basis for future digital services towards 2030. The SNS proposal, which was prepared by the 5G IA, together with other leading ICT organisations, can be found, together with other documents and information at https://5g-ia.eu/sns-horizon-europe/.

The 5G IA recently revised its Statutes^[1] and is now expanding its membership (also open to Associations) to make it fit and ready for the SNS Partnership and its extended scope. The 5G IA is glad that various organisations and Associations have already submitted their membership application and invites additional SNS stakeholders to do the same in order to contribute in the shaping and implementing of the SNS Partnership.

In this regard, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that on 26^th March 2021, the General Assembly of the 5G IA (held in electronic form) will elect the new Governing Board of the 5G IA for a term of two years. Membership applications can be submitted anytime but, if your Organisation/Association wants to nominate a candidate for the next Governing Board, they must be provided by 10^th March 2021. Even if you do not intend to nominate a candidate, this deadline is relevant to be allowed (upon approval of the application) to participate in the next meeting of the General Assembly where strategic issues will be discussed, and key decisions will be made.

Once the new Governing Board is elected, the 5G IA will start the process to change its name in order to align it with the SNS Partnership.

Information on membership and related benefits, as well as the membership application form are available at https://5g-ia.eu/about/5g-ia-membership-application/.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to 5g-i-a-membership@5g-ppp.eu.

5G IA looks forward to welcoming you as a new Member and to working together to make the SNS Partnership a reality.

Best regards,

Dr. Colin Willcock,

Chairman of the Board of the 5G IA

[1] https://5g-ia.eu/about/association/

The 5G Infrastructure Association

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