South Korea Pursues Target Of Launching 6G Network In 2028

South Korea recently announced its plan to launch 6G network services in 2028. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA - South Korea recently announced its plans to launch 6G network services in 2028, two years ahead of schedule, as it seeks to gain an early edge in future wireless frequencies.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of South Korea announced on Monday 20 February, it will launch its own 6G network service using world-class technology. There will also be state-of-the-art software and plans to strengthen its network supply chain.

Feasibility studies examining core 6G technologies are ongoing. This project is worth 625.3 billion won or the equivalent of Rp. 7.2 trillion.

To push the plan forward, the South Korean government will provide incentives to local companies to produce materials, parts, and equipment for 6G technology domestically.

In addition, the government will also develop an open RAN that is compatible with any mobile device and allows mobile operators and enterprises to offer flexible services, which can be used to deploy 6G networks as soon as they are announced.

With this initiative, South Korea aims to beat the rest of the world in terms of 6G technology. The country is Asia's fourth-largest economy and accounts for 25.9 percent of 5G patents by 2022, second only to China (26.8 percent).

In comparison, previous 4G technology developments were dominated by US and European companies.

However, the South Korean government hopes to penetrate 30 percent or more in 6G patents among competitors, as quoted from GizmoChina, Wednesday, February 22.