The Future of Data Highways: 6G Research and Development Begins
Investing 200 billion won over five years to secure high-risk 6G technology.
Supporting the creation of 6G standard patents and fostering specialized talent


Securing leadership in the global mobile communications market requires securing advanced technologies and standards. Recently, major global economies, including the US, China, and Europe, have entered a race to secure leadership in 6G, the next technology after 5G.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will pursue a project to develop core 6G technologies to secure leadership in future mobile communication networks and to respond to non-face-to-face and digital transformation.

The 6G core technology development project passed a preliminary feasibility study in April 2020, with a total budget of KRW 200 billion for five years from 2021 to 2025. Subsequently, at the 12th Science and Technology Ministerial Meeting, the 'Future Mobile Communications R&D Promotion Strategy to Lead the 6G Era' was confirmed and announced, and the business announcement was implemented from December 18, 2020.

Through this project, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to prioritize technological development in challenging and leading fields where it is difficult for the private sector to actively invest, such as the development of low-orbit satellite communication technology.

In 2021, a total of KRW 16.4 billion will be provided to 11 sub-projects, including KRW 10.8 billion in the ultra-performance and ultra-wideband field, KRW 2.3 billion in the ultra-space field, and KRW 3.3 billion in the ultra-precision and ultra-intelligence field, focusing on nine strategic technologies in five key areas.

The nine strategic technologies in the five key areas of focus are: ▲Ultra-performance (△Tbps-class wireless communication technology, △Tbps-class optical communication infrastructure technology), ▲Ultra-band (△THz-band RF core technology, △THz frequency development and safety evaluation technology), ▲Ultra-space (△3D space mobile communication technology, △3D space satellite communication technology), ▲Ultra-precision (△End-to-end ultra-precision network core technology), ▲Ultra-intelligence (△Intelligent wireless access technology, △Intelligent 6G mobile core network technology).

However, the strategic technology for internalizing 6G security in the ultra-reliable field will be supported through the 'Information Protection Core Source Technology Development Project (total of 7.5 billion won over 4 years)'.

◇ 6G commercialization will take hold after pilot services begin in 2026.

Based on the standard patent strategy map developed in cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to apply the "IP-R&D" method, which analyzes patents around the world from the early stages of R&D and avoids or invalidates patents of foreign companies, to provide package support for R&D funds and standard patent acquisition strategies to companies and institutions.

In addition, a university-centered 6G Research Center (6G Re) was established to strengthen basic 6G research and cultivate specialized talents.We select a research center and provide support for up to 5 years to establish a research foundation.

Beginning in March 2021, we plan to establish and operate a "6G R&D Strategy Committee" to listen to the voices of industry and experts and share, verify, and coordinate the goals, progress, and achievements of the entire business.

Starting in 2026, when technological development is completed, a 6G upgrade pilot project will be launched to apply pre-commercial 6G technology to five major 5G+ services (smart city, smart factory, digital healthcare, realistic content, and autonomous vehicles), and support will be provided to ensure that the technologies developed through this project are established as services.

The business announcement will be held for about a month from Friday, December 18, 2020 to Monday, February 1, 2021, and detailed information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency .

As the Ministry of Science and ICT explains, securing leadership in mobile communications technology requires advanced technological development and rapid adoption of standards. However, smooth 5G service delivery is still lacking, and both millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G SA services, which can be considered true 5G, and 5G MEC services for enterprises are still in the development stage.

There is a common belief in the industry that odd-numbered generation (1, 3) mobile communication technology is complemented by even-numbered generation (2, 4) technology.

Looking at the policies of companies and organizations, it seems highly likely that 5G will be completed by 6G. While technological development is important, providing services that resonate with consumers is also urgent. The time before 5G becomes a so-called "black history" is running out. Now is the time when the will and effort to improve services from those involved are urgently needed.