Domestic telecommunications experts have joined forces to secure the lead in future mobile communications technology.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced that it has been selected as the lead organization for the '6G Core Technology Development Project' in which 37 joint research institutes, including mobile communication service providers, Samsung Electronics, and KAIST, are participating.

The research team divided the 6G research project into five major focus areas, and then each institution will carry out eight strategic tasks in each area.

First, the ultra-high-performance and ultra-high-bandwidth field aims to secure terabyte (Tbps)-level transmission speeds in the terahertz (THz) band, which is a candidate band for 6G.

The research team is developing wireless communication, optical communication, RF components, and safety evaluation technologies utilizing the frequency band, which is expected to enable large-capacity data services at faster transmission speeds than before.

The hyperspace field is a technology field that does not exist in previous generations. It develops a '3D space communication' technology that will provide gigabit (Gbps) service even in maritime, remote areas, and disaster situations by converging and utilizing mobile communication technology and satellite communication technology.

today We plan to research technology that overcomes the limitations of ground-based (altitudes below 120 m) mobile communication technology and enables smooth communication even in fast-moving cars, airplanes, and drones.

The ultra-intelligent and ultra-precision transmission field plans to make network infrastructure more efficient by covering △'intelligent wireless access technology' that enables smooth connection even in environments with a lot of interference, △'intelligent 6G core network technology' that provides customized services for each user, and △'end-to-end high-precision network technology' that ensures that differences due to data delay are small even over long distances.

ETRI has been leading Korea's information revolution, from TDX to 5G technology development, and has kept pace with the history of ICT development.

Based on this, the institute plans to develop core 6G technologies through collaboration with joint research institutions, achieve intelligence across all industries, and strengthen the nation's mobile communications technology competitiveness.

In 2019, the research institute signed an MoU with the University of Oulu, Finland, for joint research on 6G, moving quickly to secure next-generation mobile communication technology.

Last year, we also published the publication '6G Insight', which developed key 6G technology areas, key performance indicators, and usage scenarios.

In addition, research on terahertz, which is called a key frequency for implementing 6G, has been conducted for a long time.

The know-how accumulated while developing industrial technologies utilizing terahertz, such as wideband detectors and non-destructive measurement equipment, is expected to be of great help in next-generation mobile communications research.

ETRI Communications and Media Research Institute Director Seungchan Bang said, “By being selected as the project’s lead institution, the institute has secured core source technologies and IPRs, which has given us a lot of momentum to lead international standard technologies. He expressed his determination, saying, “We will do our best to join forces with domestic researchers to achieve the world’s first commercialization of 6G.”

This study is a project that was reflected this year after the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the 'Future Mobile Communications Research and Development (R&D) Promotion Strategy for Leading the 6G Era' in August of last year, and 214.7 billion won will be invested over five years.