South Korea announces '6G Society' initiative.
Recently, the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced the "6G Society" initiative, promising to usher in a completely new era of connectivity where satellite and 6G mobile communications combine to deliver a superior user experience.
The South Korean government launched the "6G Society" initiative with the goal of bridging the gap between satellite and 6G mobile technologies, thereby promoting the comprehensive development of the 6G ecosystem.
The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT asserts that the perfect combination of terrestrial mobile networks and satellite systems will be the main driving force behind the advent of the 6G era. This combination promises to deliver a continuous, comprehensive communication network covering land, ocean, and sky, opening up limitless application possibilities.
To realize this vision, MSIT aims to develop 6G technology with groundbreaking advancements. 6G will deliver ultra-high-speed connectivity, extremely low latency, and global coverage, meeting the growing demands of real-time applications such as autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), and much more.
The close integration of mobile and satellite technology right from the research phase will be a key factor in realizing the 6G vision. MSIT is committed to creating all the necessary conditions to promote this collaboration, ushering in an era of global, limitless connectivity.
The “6G Society” initiative will serve as a bridge between the 6G Forum and the Satellite Communications Forum. Through this bilateral consultation mechanism, the Korean government aims to create a platform for sharing information, discussing, and developing common standards for both fields, thereby promoting the synchronized development of 6G technology.
Regarding this issue, Ryu Jae Myeong, Vice Director of the Cyber Policy Bureau under the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea, emphasized the importance of combining the strengths of industries, academia, and the government to shape the future of 6G technology.
"Building a collaborative forum between the mobile and satellite communications sectors is key to jointly developing security standards and technologies, thereby accelerating the commercialization of 6G quickly and effectively," Ryu added.
In November 2023, South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced a large-scale research and development plan worth 440.4 billion won (approximately US$324.5 million) focused on developing core technologies for 6G networks. This project includes research on 6G communication protocols, core networks, systems, and standardization, aiming to position South Korea as a leader in the 6G technology revolution.
With the goal of becoming a leading nation in the 6G field, MSIT will announce its first research results in 2026. This will give South Korea a significant voice in establishing international standards for next-generation mobile networks.
In an ambitious move, the South Korean government has decided to accelerate the commercialization of 6G networks, shortening the timeline by two years compared to the original plan, meaning the country will launch a commercial 6G network in 2028. This demonstrates the nation's determination to become a leader in the 6G technological revolution.
Furthermore, with the K-Network 2030 strategy, the government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to promote public-private partnerships, modernize mobile network technology, and ensure the security and stability of the supply chain. South Korea is aiming to build a smart, secure, and sustainable network ecosystem that meets the growing demands of a digital society.
Recognizing the importance of 6G networks in the future, South Korea has proactively invested 625.3 billion won (approximately $460.7 million) in research and development of core technologies. This move not only demonstrates foresight but also affirms its determination to build an independent and self-reliant 6G technology platform, contributing to enhancing the country's standing on the international stage.
With a vision to become a global innovation hub, MSIT has decided to invest heavily in 6G. The early deployment of this service will not only bring significant economic benefits but also create new momentum for the development of key industries and propel South Korea to a leading position in the global digital economy.
