Ministry of Science and ICT to Supply Up to 1.2 GHz Wide Unlicensed Spectrum in the 6 GHz Band

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] The government will supply up to 1.2 GHz bandwidth (5925~7125 MHz) in the 6 GHz band as unlicensed spectrum, allowing it to be used with next-generation technologies such as Wi-Fi 6. It is expected that 5G convergence, including smart factories, will spread throughout the industry in the future.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 25th that it has finalized a plan to supply the 6 GHz band as unlicensed spectrum and issued a public notice for the revision of related technical standards. Considering public convenience, ▲ for indoor use, the entire 1200 MHz bandwidth will be supplied, but ▲ for device-to-device connections, only the lower 500 MHz bandwidth will have output restrictions to protect existing users and will be supplied first. After the introduction of the frequency shared use system (K-FC) in 2022, the usage range will be expanded outdoors.

In particular, by establishing technology-neutral technical standards that only regulate minimum usage conditions such as bandwidth, users can selectively use next-generation Wi-Fi as well as 5G technology in the unlicensed band through 5G NR-U (5G, New Radio Unlicensed, 3GPP standard).

Demand for the 6 GHz band has been continuously raised. Following the commercialization of 5G last year, the importance of this band has increased due to the rise in demand for ultra-high-speed networks and frequencies amid the recent spread of COVID-19. At the end of last year, the Ministry of Science and ICT, which announced the '5G+ Spectrum Plan,' decided on detailed policy measures such as supply bandwidth and timing through research groups and meetings.

Supplying frequencies for Wi-Fi is the first in 16 years, and the frequency bandwidth (indoor) will be tripled. Wi-Fi speed will also improve fivefold. This is expected to solve Wi-Fi dead zones in densely populated areas and realize high-quality data welfare by enabling the consumption of high-capacity 5G content at low cost. Additionally, in the industry, 5G NR-U will enable the construction of low-cost, high-efficiency 5G-grade smart factory networks, providing an opportunity to promote the introduction of 5G+ technology in small and medium-sized factories.

The Ministry of Science and ICT explained, "Related small and medium enterprises expect new business opportunities in various fields such as 6 GHz band Wi-Fi devices, terminals, content, and games, and smartphone manufacturers plan to maintain global technological competitiveness by proactively launching smartphones equipped with Wi-Fi 6E."

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to collect additional opinions during the public notice period until August 24. The related revision notices can be found on the Ministry of Science and ICT website and the National Law Information Center.

Oh Yong-su, Director of the Radio Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “At a time of digital transformation, we boldly decided to preemptively supply the 6 GHz band as unlicensed spectrum to trigger 5G+ convergence across industry and daily life beyond mere performance improvements and to strengthen competitiveness as an innovative inclusive nation.” He added, “We will also strengthen policy efforts so that the 6 GHz band can rapidly spread into our daily lives through demonstration projects next year.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.