South Korea announces '6G Society' initiative
Recently, the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea (MSIT) announced the “6G Society” initiative, which promises to usher in a completely new era of connectivity, where satellite communications and 6G mobile communications join forces to provide superior user experiences.
The Korean government initiated the “6G Society” initiative with the aim of creating a bridge between satellite and 6G mobile communication technologies, to promote the comprehensive development of the 6G ecosystem.
The Korean Ministry of Science and ICT asserted that the perfect combination of terrestrial mobile networks and satellite systems will be the main driving force behind the birth of the 6G era. This combination promises to bring a continuous information network that covers everything from land, ocean to sky, opening up limitless application possibilities.
To realize this vision, MSIT aims to develop 6G technology with outstanding breakthroughs. 6G will bring ultra-high-speed connectivity, ultra-low latency, and global coverage, meeting the increasing demand for real-time applications such as autonomous driving, remote surgery, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR), and more.
The close integration of mobile and satellite technologies right from the research stage will be a key factor in realizing the 6G vision. MSIT is committed to creating all favorable conditions to promote this cooperation, opening the era of global, unlimited 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 information sharing, discussion, and common standards for both sectors, in order to promote the coordinated development of 6G technology.
In this regard, Mr. Ryu Jae Myeong, Deputy Director of the Cyber Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea, emphasized the importance of combining the strengths of industry, academia and government to shape the future of 6G technology.
“Building a cooperation forum between the mobile and satellite communication sectors is key for us to jointly develop security standards and technologies, thereby promoting the rapid and efficient commercialization of 6G,” Mr. Ryu added.
In November 2023, the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea announced a large-scale R&D plan worth 440.4 billion won (about 324.5 million USD), focusing on developing core technologies for 6G networks. The project includes research on 6G communication protocols, core networks, systems, and standardization, aiming to make South Korea one of the leading countries in the 6G technology revolution.
With the goal of becoming a leading country in the field of 6G, MSIT will announce its first research results in 2026. This will give Korea an important voice in building 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 time by two years compared to the original plan, meaning the country will launch a commercial 6G network in 2028. This shows the country's determination to become a leader in the 6G technology revolution.
In addition, with the K-Network 2030 strategy, the government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to promote public-private partnerships, modernize mobile network technology, and ensure safety and stability for the supply chain. Korea is aiming to build a smart, safe, and sustainable network ecosystem that meets the growing needs of a digital society.
Recognizing the importance of the 6G network in the future, South Korea has proactively invested 625.3 billion won (about 460.7 million USD) in research and development of core technologies. This move not only demonstrates foresight but also affirms the determination to build an independent and autonomous 6G technology platform, contributing to enhancing the country's position in the international arena.
With the vision of becoming a global innovation hub, MSIT has decided to invest heavily in 6G. The early deployment of this service will not only bring huge economic benefits but also create new momentum for the development of key industries and position Korea at the forefront of the global digital economy.
