South Korea has announced that it will deploy its first sixth generation (6G) network in 2028. The country will do so as part of its K-Network 2030 plan.
Under the plan, the government will encourage local companies to manufacture equipment, parts and materials for the development of 6G technology in South Korea. To make this possible, South Korea is conducting a feasibility study for a research and development project on key 6G technologies. The project is said to be worth approximately US$482 million.
According to the country’s Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea is conducting these efforts with the aim of achieving early dominance of future wireless frequencies. The plan also aims to help the country maintain its position in the global competition for future network infrastructure.
A report by IP intelligence company IPlytics says that South Korean companies, mostly dominated by US and European companies in developing 4G technology, are taking the lead in 5G development. In fact, South Korea had 25.9% of the number of 5G patents last year. And now it aims to reach 30% and above in the 6G patent race.
Alongside South Korea, India aims to launch 6G services before the end of this decade.
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