South Korea Set to Beat China, US, Others as the First Country to Launch 6G Network for Public Use

South Korea Set to Beat China, US, Others as the First Country to Launch 6G Network for Public Use

  • South Korea is set to become the first country to launch a 6G network ahead of China, the US and other countries
  • The development of 6G technology is well underway in South Korea, 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

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South Korea has set its sights on being the first country to launch a 6G network for public use.

The Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, which announced the news, said it has a target for public use in 2023.

According to GSMA, 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.

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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.

the sixth generation network
South Korea plans to release 6G network. Photo credit: China News Service
Source: Getty Images

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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.

Why is South Korea pushing to be the first

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.

South Korea's 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.

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While challenges remain in developing 6G technology, South Korea's efforts could pave the way for a new era of technological advancement and global competition.

MTN says its 5G service is now live at 190 sites across Nigeria

Meanwhile, in another report, Mafab communication said 5G services would be activated in Lagos, with various cities listed by the company.

Mafab secured the 5G license after outbidding other telecommunication service providers in December 2021.

The fifth-generation network promises faster internet services, less latency and better downloads.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.

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