Investing 200 Billion KRW in 6G Over 5 Years... Aiming to Become the Leading Nation

The World's First Smart Maritime Transportation System Introduced

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government will invest 200 billion KRW over five years starting in 2021 to secure 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technology. Through this, it aims to leap forward as the world’s leading country in 6G following the world’s first commercialization of 5G. Additionally, it will establish the world’s first 'ultra-high-speed maritime wireless communication network' capable of LTE communication even in distant seas (100 km offshore), providing maritime navigation services and more.

On the 8th, the government held the 12th Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting at the Government Complex Sejong, chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, where it announced the 'Future Mobile Communication R&D Promotion Strategy to Lead the 6G Era' and the 'Smart Maritime Transportation Policy Promotion Strategy,' among other plans.

First, anticipating that 6G commercialization will begin around 2028 to 2030, the government plans to develop core technologies over five years from 2021 to 2025, followed by three years from 2026 to 2028 dedicated to commercialization support.

To this end, it will overcome the technical limitations of 5G through the development of challenging and pioneering 6G core technologies, such as low-earth orbit satellite communication technology, which are difficult for private investment at present. From 2026, when technology development is completed, it will discover and promote pilot projects in private and public sectors based on Pre-6G technology (pre-commercialization) to ensure that the developed technologies are firmly established as services.

Furthermore, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) expected to start international standardization of 6G from next year, the government will minimize uncertainties in the standard competition by conducting preemptive research at each standardization stage and strengthening international cooperation. It will lead the final international standardization of Korean technology and support companies and institutions with a package of R&D funding and standard patent acquisition strategies through the establishment of a standard patent strategy map and the application of the IP-R&D method.

Moreover, it will create a solid research foundation and industrial growth soil by developing prototypes (HW, SW) that can be used for domestic production of 6G core parts and equipment, providing voucher-type R&D support for promising small and medium enterprises, and fostering top-tier 6G talent.

The government also presented a direction for scientific and technological innovation to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a new leap forward. By making preemptive investments in R&D for promising technologies after COVID-19, it will support the Korean New Deal and spread bold R&D models led by the private sector that pursue regulatory innovation from the R&D planning stage with a problem-solving perspective rather than a technology-centered one.

In addition, to respond to future job and occupation changes, it will establish a job transition safety net including advanced technology recurrent education (non-degree education linked between regional universities and companies), digital re-education, and career transition platforms.

Alongside this, the government will build the world’s first ultra-high-speed maritime wireless communication network capable of LTE-level communication even in distant seas and provide real-time, customized maritime safety information using advanced ICT technology such as maritime navigation services.

To introduce a smart maritime transportation system, nationwide pilot operations for services and infrastructure will be conducted this year, and from next year, maritime digital services aimed at reducing maritime accidents will be provided. The distribution of e-Nav ship terminals for using maritime digital services will be actively promoted, and a pilot project for remote medical care for naval personnel will also be pursued.

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