Nokia announced that it aims to be the first to commercialize 6G in Korea by the end of 2029, focusing on mid-band frequencies between 7 and 15 GHz. Nokia judged that it would be difficult to build a nationwide network based on 5G 28 GHz, and predicted that 5G SA implementation would be possible once the nationwide 5G 3.5 Gz network was built.

Nokia held a press conference and demo session at the 'Amplify Korea' event held on the 3rd, and announced its 'Technology Vision 2030' and the latest trends in global mobile networks.

■ Additional investment in domestic 5G SA needed… Possible at 3.5GHz

Nokia viewed domestic 5G as still insufficient, as 5G SA (Stand Alone, standalone mode) is still being implemented. 5G SA is a network configuration method based on the 5G core, and is the opposite concept of 5G NSA (Non-Stand Alone), which was adopted when 5G was first commercialized, and operated by adding only a 5G wireless access network based on the 4G LTE core.

Nokia CTO Han Hyo-chan said, “Pure 5G that satisfies 5G SA, also known as 5G-A or 5.5G, will be necessary for basic services such as network slicing technology to be possible, and if there is demand for this, I believe additional investment by operators can be made.”

For example, India and the US are using network slicing technology to monetize each application by optimizing it. Nokia added that it expects the government to expand additional 5G spectrum to increase investment from operators.

Nokia emphasized the need for additional investment in 3.5GHz base stations to implement 5G SA. A CTO argued, “It is true that 5G 28GHz is considered a major frequency band when implementing 5G SA, but SA implementation will be possible if 5G 3.5GHz is supported nationwide or if low-frequency bands such as LTE frequency bands are utilized.” The explanation is that there is a large difference in data processing capacity between 5G’s 3.5GHz and 28GHz frequency bands, but more important is the implementation of stable services through low latency.

In addition, it is predicted that it will be difficult to commercialize a nationwide network based on 5G 28GHz. There is currently no case of a nationwide network based on 28GHz around the world, and it is judged that the frequency characteristics of 28GHz are only suitable for dense areas that support large-scale data processing. For example, Japan's Rakuten Mobile is actually supporting 5G 28GHz service in hotspot areas.

In addition, the success of the 28GHz-based B2C business depends on the terminal. Nokia explained, “If a modem in the mmWave (millimeter wave) band, which includes 28GHz, is installed, the price of the smartphone increases, reducing its marketability, so smartphone manufacturers are reluctant to install such modems.”

Accordingly, it is predicted that StageX, which was designated as a corporation eligible for 28GHz frequency allocation by the Ministry of Science and ICT early this year, will also face difficulties in realizing ‘real 5G.’ StageX aimed to commercialize the 28GHz frequency band as the fourth mobile carrier, but is currently in the process of having its status as an allocation corporation revoked due to issues such as changes in capital and shareholder composition.

■ Nokia Shares Key 6G Innovation Technology Updates
Nokia predicted that 6G technology will evolve in stages. CTO Han Hyo-chan said, “Nokia is preparing for a future where all technologies are connected by supplying networks through collaboration,” and “Networks will go beyond what telecommunications operators provide and be available to a variety of users where needed.”

Nokia sees 6G, which is expected to be commercialized in 2029, as the starting point for the next-generation network. It is expected that 6G will be able to secure more than 10 times the data capacity using half the energy of 5G. All networks will be able to solve the problems of ultra-high speed, low latency, and large-scale data processing based on AI. In addition, 'eMIMO' technology, which transmits data by integrating large-scale antennas in mid-band frequencies, is being discussed. Low-orbit satellites and NTN (non-terrestrial network) technology are also expected to be provided.

Nokia showcased its latest solutions and demos for its Technology Vision 2030, which looks ahead to the next 10 years, at Amplify Korea. Nokia showcased its 64TRX product, focusing on increasing network capacity using 128TRX in the 7GHz band. This technology is expected to be essential to expand the capabilities and efficiency of mobile networks to handle the growing demand for data.

However, its competitor, China's Huawei, has already released a 128TRX product. Regarding this, Dr. Cho Bong-cheol from Nokia said, "Huawei is a great competitor," but "we need to look closely at the 128TRX. If we compare with the same specifications, it seems safe to say that Nokia's 64TRX currently has the leadership in the market." He added, "If we move to 6G in the 7GHz band, we will need a higher number of antennas, so 128TRX seems to be suitable."

Nokia's main security solutions introduced that day include 'Nokia Deepfield DDoS'. It protects the critical infrastructure of data centers with high-performance threat detection functions and AI/ML-based real-time response functions. Nokia has strengthened cybersecurity by introducing generative AI. The generative AI within the 'Nokia Cybersecurity Dome' platform automates the detection and response to cyber attacks 10 times faster than before. It also supports energy savings through traffic performance analysis in network environments with AI/ML functions.

Nokia is also continuously expanding in the defense and industrial sectors. It provides two types of 5G-specific network solutions: 'MPW (Modular Private Wireless)' and 'NDAC (Nokia Digital Automation Cloud)'. Nokia provides enterprise customers with everything from private network construction to industrial applications (video analytics, XR, location tracking and deployment, work safety, digital twins, etc.) and devices (rugged portable terminals, field routers, 5G CCTV, CPE, drones, etc.).