SK Telecom said that it is working to lead the early 6G standardization and technology ecosystem through collaboration with diverse overseas partners
Korean telco SK Telecom has released a 6G white paper that focuses on the key requirements for 6G standardization and the telco’s views regarding the direction of future network evolution.
The standardization process for future 6G systems is in its early stage. In June 2023, the International Telecommunication Union-Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Working Party (WP) 5D published the framework recommendation of 6G networks, which are expected to be commercialized around 2030. In addition, the first discussion on 6G candidate frequencies is scheduled to take place at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) at the end of this year. Meanwhile, the WP 5D is expected to begin working on the technical performance requirements of 6G from 2024.
The Korean carrier said the new white paper contains its views on 6G key requirements and 6G evolution methodology, along with its opinions on the latest trends in frequency standardization. The 6G white paper also provides analysis, development directions and methodologies pertaining to promising 6G use cases, technology trends as well as and candidate frequencies.
SK Telecom highlighted that some of the 6G key requirements include “powerful” 6G products and services, simple architecture options, technologies that can expand coverage and device heat and power consumption reduction technologies to improve user experience.
Moreover, with the commercialization of 6G, SK Telecom projected that megatrends like AI, power saving and quantum security will spread across all network areas and technologies specialized for each network area—such as radio access network, core network, transport network and aerial network—will be applied and evolved.
SK Telecom also said that it is working to lead the early 6G standardization and technology ecosystem through collaboration with diverse overseas partners.
In February 2023, SK Telecom and Japanese operator NTT Docomo jointly released a white paper on requirements for future 6G networks.
The Korean carrier said it is also having discussions with equipment manufacturers and IT companies on 6G candidate technologies such as AI-based base stations.
“In collaboration with many global telcos, we are making proactive efforts to lead the 6G standardization and technology ecosystem,” said Yu Takki, vice president and head of Infra Tech Office at SK Telecom. “By further expanding our partnerships with global telcos and manufacturers, and leveraging our technological know-how and experience in 5G, we will not only lead the advancement of 5G network technologies, but also pioneer the development of 6G technologies,” the executive added.
Last year, the Korean government announced that it was working on next-generation network development strategies together with local carriers and tech firms SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics.
The government and the companies aim to carry out cooperation activities for the development and innovation of 5G backbone and as-yet-unstandardized future 6G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite communication.
