Ensuring Competitive Prowess
The development of next-generation network (6G) commercialization technology and core components, with a budget of 440 billion won, is set to begin in earnest next year. Further, there’s an ambition to demonstrate pre-6G technology by 2026 and secure 30% of the 6G international standard patents, aiming to equip South Korea with competitive prowess in 6G.
On Aug. 23, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced during the 10th National R&D Business Evaluation Committee held at Seoul Central Post Office that “The development project for the next-generation network (6G) technology has passed a preliminary feasibility study with a total budget of 440.73 billion won (of which 373.17 billion won is from the national treasury).”
Linked to the foundational 6G research that commenced in 2021, there’s a plan to earnestly begin the development of 6G commercialization technology and essential components from 2024. Based on this, the goal is to reflect it in international standards, demonstrate pre-6G technology by 2026, and ensure that South Korea possesses a competitive edge in the next-generation network.
The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, “There’s been a rapid change in 6G technology trends due to global technological supremacy competitions, including increased 6G technology development investments by major countries like the U.S. and China.”
In response, South Korea intends to pursue technological developments in five key areas: upper-mid band (7-24 GHz) technology, coverage expansion technology, software-centered networks, energy-saving, and supply chain security enhancements.
The Ministry not only plans on technological development but also aims to validate the technology at each phase to ensure its tangible utilization during the 6G commercialization period.
The Ministry further elaborated, “Based on interim results, we plan to invite major international telecoms companies, manufacturers, standard experts, and government officials to South Korea for a ‘Pre-6G Technology Demonstration’ event in 2026. By the end of the project in 2028, in collaboration with major domestic corporations and SMEs, we aim to showcase the potential and vision of the 6G ecosystem and to secure competitiveness in the initial 6G market.”
Lastly, through this project, the goal is to reflect the R&D results in international standards, ensuring that South Korea secures a 6G international standard patent share of over 30%.