Korea's leadership in next-generation mobile networks

 

As reported by The Korea Times and other local and international media, Korea is continuing its drive to be a global leader in the development of next generation mobile networks.  As noted by the Times, "Samsung Electronics is taking the lead in standardization of sixth-generation (6G) network technology, as the company proposed to start a global study on securing frequencies for the future network technology, which is expected to be commercialized as early as 2028, the company said Sunday.  With the study on the network technology, the Korean tech giant aims to take the lead in the global standardization and establishment of the 6G network. Samsung released the white paper, "6G Spectrum: Expanding the Frontier," that lays out its vision to secure global frequency bands for 6G."

An earlier Samsung white paper, entitled "6G:  The next hyper --connected experience for all" was published in 2020.  To place these documents in a broader context, they represent Samsung's commitment as part of the Moon Jae In administrations Digital New Deal, which in turn is part of the overall Korea New Deal that encompasses a Green New Deal and more.

The Korean government's commitment to building digital networks can be traced to 1980 and is  embodied in the 1980-81 "Long Term Plan to Foster the Electronics Sector."  This is why I have referred in this blog and in academic publications to Korea's "network-centric digital development."

Korea's current leadership in setting global standards for 6G is made possible only because today's ICT-sector leaders stand on the shoulders of giants like Minister Oh Myung, Dr. Kim Jae-Ik and their colleagues in industry, government and academia.  They saw, in the revolutionary 1980s, what we are living through these days in the early 2020s.