South Korea is set to be the first country to launch a 6G network ahead of China, the US, and other countries for public use.
The development of 6G technology is well underway with Samsung leading the charge since 2018. The company has already developed a 6G prototype capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 6.2 Gbps, which is 50 times faster than the current 5G network.
However, this effort could pave way for a new era of technological advancement and global competition.
According to a recent report, South Korea has committed to incentivising local companies to produce materials, components, and equipment essential for developing the 6G network, with a feasibility study researching core 6G technology already underway.
The Eastern Asia country has implemented detailed plans to utilise world-class technology and advanced software-based next-gen mobile networks while bolstering its network supply chains.
For the plan, a feasibility study for a research and development project on core 6G technologies worth 625.3 billion (US$481.7 million) is underway, an agency reports.
The initiative is part of South Korea’s ambitious plan to beat the rest of the world to 6G technology. As Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea accounted for 25.9% of 5G patents in 2022, with China accounting for 26.8%. The government hopes it can exceed 30% in 6G patents among the competition.
The investment in 6G technology is also expected to generate significant economic benefits and advance progress in industries such as autonomous vehicles, virtual and augmented reality, and the Internet of Things.