AI Presents 'Complex' Challenges for CSRIC Working Groups

The FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council on Friday heard initial reports from its three working groups, which are just starting. Speakers warned that the assigned topics are challenging. Focusing on AI and 6G, CSRIC held its initial meeting in June (see 2406280050). Friday's was the first meeting of substance under the new cycle.

The goal of the Harnessing AI/Machine Learning to Ensure the Security, Reliability and Integrity of the Nation’s Communications Networks WG to produce an initial report seems straightforward, but “it’s actually a really complex space to ... tackle,” said co-Chair Jason Hogg, general manager, Microsoft's Azure for operators.

Telecom networks “are very complex, both the networks that are in place and the actual networks that are being designed for the future,” Hogg said. AI and ML are moving “extremely quickly -- lots of innovation is happening very rapidly.” The WG must simplify its approach, especially for the first report, on the threats posed to networks, he said. It’s not possible to look at how to apply the technologies “to all parts of the carrier’s network with all types of AI and ML models."

The WG may tee up some issues for later CSRICs, Hogg said. In addition, it will tackle reports covering best practices for the FCC and industry and best practices for using AI and ML in public safety networks.

The Preparing for 6G Security and Reliability WG also faces a “daunting task,” though its work is narrower than that of the AL/ML WG, said co-Chair George Woodward, CEO of Trilogy Networks. “We’ve got a little bit of time … before 6G is commercial, but far ahead of that will be the standardization, specs and an assessment of vulnerability.”

It's probably at least seven years before commercial deployment of 6G networks arrives, said WG co-Chair Brian Daly, AT&T assistant vice president. The most concrete timeline probably comes from ITU and its International Mobile Telecommunications-2030 initiative (see 2408290036), he said. The WG will look at and address security and reliability risks “that will be unique to the emerging 6G networks and services.” The group plans a report on potential reliability and security risks in 6G, and recommendations for mitigation, Daly said.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s Release 20 is “anticipated to be the first” with 6G specifications, Daly said. “We’d like to applaud the commission for seeking early recommendations,” he said: “We all want to see secure and reliable 6G networks and services.” With the standards “just evolving,” the timing is right for the group's work. 3GPP projects Release 20 studies will start next year and the release will be fully frozen in March 2027.

The wireless industry expects 6G to bring improvements in network speed and enhancements “enabling capabilities that will blend the physical and cyber worlds,” Daly said. There will be new capabilities over 5G, including sensing, “AI-related interoperability, better positioning, more focus on sustainability and, of course, [improved] coverage.” 6G will mean moving from “ultra” to “hyper reliable and low latency communications … looking at lowering the latency even further.”

The Ensuring Consumer Access to 911 on All Available Networks as Technology Evolves WG got a late start but has already made progress, said co-Chair Brandon Abley, chief technology officer at the National Emergency Number Association. The WG will take on two reports -- on recommendations and best practices for connecting stalled 911 calls through alternative network options and on recommendations for preventing adverse effects on public safety points and enhanced-911 from calls made through alternative networks, Abley said.

The meeting lasted just less than 45 minutes. CSRIC is expected to next meet Dec. 18.