Lee·Kim "6G, Commercialization by 2030"... AI Communication Leadership Secured [6·3 Presidential Election]

Presidential candidates have proposed key pledges such as the advancement of open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) and strengthening the competitiveness of low-orbit satellite communications, aiming for the commercialization of 6th generation (G) communications by 2030. The plan is to significantly increase 6G support to secure leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) communications.

■Increasing Opportunities for Open RAN Demonstration Projects

On the 29th, an analysis of the 6G-related pledges in the policy pledge books published by the Democratic Party and the People's Power revealed that both parties mentioned 2030 as the target year for commercialization. 6G is a next-generation mobile communication that uses ultra-high frequency bands above 100GHz, offering transmission speeds 50 times faster and response speeds 10 times faster than 5G, and connecting 10 times more devices.

The Democratic Party plans to pursue commercialization in 2030 after conducting 6G pilot services in 2028. Additionally, they aim to secure 6G core technology to lay the foundation for seizing the global equipment and terminal market and actively promote the development of satellite communication technology, which is a core technology for realizing 6G. The pledge also includes the advancement of open RAN, which is characterized by openness and intelligence and is the backbone of 6G. Open RAN is a technology that allows base station equipment made by different manufacturers to be used interchangeably. It can reduce dependence on specific equipment manufacturers and lessen the burden of infrastructure construction. The government plans to accelerate commercialization by expanding support for open RAN demonstration projects led by the three major telecom companies.

■Accelerating Low-Orbit Satellite Commercialization Based on 6G

The People's Power also aims for 2030 6G commercialization, planning to establish a hyperspace intelligent network (ITU) combining AI and sensing. They also plan to develop 6G core components and collaborate with universities and research institutes for joint research and talent development. Additionally, they presented detailed pledges such as developing 6G standards, reflecting them in international organizations, and increasing the share of standard patents.

The People's Power also plans to strengthen the competitiveness of low-orbit satellite communications based on 6G. Using low-orbit satellites at altitudes of 300 to 1500 km is expected to enable faster data transmission and reduced latency. Typically, geostationary satellites are at an altitude of 36,000 km, which limits the ability to increase transmission speed. Unlike 5G, which supports communication for terminals up to a maximum height of 120m from the ground, 6G can provide services up to 10 km above the ground. South Korea is pursuing core technology independence, planning to launch two world-first 6G low-orbit communication satellites by 2030.

Major countries such as the United States and Europe are focusing all efforts on securing leadership in 6G standards under government leadership. According to the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the size and adoption rate of the 6G mobile communication network market is expected to rapidly replace the existing mobile communication market, growing from $990 million (about 1.36 trillion won, 2.1%) in 2030 to $41.7 billion (88.6%) in 2038.

There are voices saying that extensive infrastructure construction must precede the success of 6G services. An industry official said, "Since 5G had a precedent where base stations using the 28GHz band fell far short of government requirements due to high cost burdens, detailed plans for 6G infrastructure construction need to be prepared."

mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter