South Korea expects to be the first to launch a 6G network in 2028

South Korea announced on Monday that it will launch its own 6G network using world-class technology, advanced software-based next-gen mobile networks, and by strengthening its network supply chains. The news was announced by the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT.

The South Korean government will incentivize local companies to produce materials, components, and equipment for the development of its 6G network. It also plans to strengthen its supply chain to support said network. A feasibility study that’s researching core 6G technology is already underway. The project is worth 625.3 billion won (roughly $482.1 million).

With this initiative, South Korea aims to beat the rest of the world to 6G technology. South Korea is Asia’s fourth-largest economy and accounted for 25.9% of 5G patents in 2022 (meanwhile, China accounted for 26.8%). South Korea’s government hopes it can break past 30% or more in 6G patents among the competition.

6G will unite what’s virtual and reality, as per Zhang Yongtao, deputy general manager of Ericsson China Technology Department. He suggests that 6G will bring holographic communication out of science fiction and into reality.

Source (Chinese)