South Korea plans to launch sixth-generation network services (6G) in 2028, two years earlier than originally planned, in a bid to gain early dominance of future wireless frequencies, South Korea’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology said Monday, according to Yonhap news agency.
Under the K-Network 2030 plan, the Korean government will advance the launch of commercial services for 6G networks by two years by securing world-class 6G technology, innovating software-based next-generation mobile networks and strengthening the network supply chain, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
At the same time, the Korean government will encourage local companies to produce materials, components and equipment for 6G technology domestically and develop an open RAN, or open wireless access network, compatible with any mobile device, enabling mobile operators and enterprises to offer flexible services.
The ministry said a feasibility study for a 6G core technology development project worth 625.3 billion won (currently about 3.308 billion yuan) is underway for the program. The advanced program aims to help the country stay ahead of the global competition for future network infrastructure after the 5G network race to meet the demand for higher-speed and lower-latency wireless communications.
South Korea leads 5G development with a high number of 5G patents, while previous 4G technology development was mostly dominated by U.S. and European companies, according to data from German analyst firm IPlytics. The fourth-largest economy in Asia accounted for 25.9 percent of 5G patents last year, trailing market leader China’s 26.8 percent. The South Korean government has said it aims to raise that number to 30 percent or more in the upcoming patent competition for 6G networks.
6G, the sixth generation mobile communication standard, is also known as the sixth generation of mobile communication technology. The main boost is the development of the Internet of Things. 6G is still in the development stage, and 6G’s transmission capacity may be 100 times higher than 5G, and network latency may be reduced from milliseconds to microseconds.
