Korea’s 6G frequency bands picked as standard candidates

Sixth-generation (6G) communication frequency bands proposed by South Korea have been adopted as global standard candidates by the industry's frequency range-allocating body, South Korea’s science ministry said on Monday, raising expectations the country would lead the 6G network market.

The country's three frequency ranges beat 23 spectrums offered by other countries at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the United Nations.

The conference took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 15.

South Korea had proposed four 6G frequency ranges and three of them were selected as global stand candidates: 4.4-4.8 gigahertz (GHz); 7.125-8.5GHz; and 14.8-15.35GHz.

Last week, the Economic Times reported the WRC reached a "historic agreement" to open a new spectrum band for 4G, 5G and 6G mobile technologies, citing India's telecom industry authorities.

"As the 6G frequency bands we had proposed were selected as final candidates, there is no need to adjust our 6G business plans,” said an official from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

“That set the foundation for us to lead the 6G technology agenda at the next WRC to be held in 2027.”

The WRC, held every three to four years, oversees broadband communication technologies and regulations, as well as radio frequency band allocations.

About 4,000 delegates from 163 countries participated in the conference, including those from South Korea’s science ministry and defense ministry and Samsung Electronics Co.

INTERNET ON AIRCRAFT

Notably at the meeting, the WRC allocated a new range of spectrums for low-orbit satellite-based Earth Station In-Motion (ESIM) services at an altitude of 400 to 600 kilometers.

Under the new frequency bands, internet access will be available on ships and airplanes at a speed of 500 megabits per second, similar to that of fourth-generation mobile communications.

Currently, satellite communications for aviation and ships are based mainly on geostationary satellites, floating at an altitude of 36,000 km, so there were frequent interruptions.

FOURTH MOBILE CARRIER

Meanwhile, South Korea’s science ministry is receiving applications for the 5G frequency range in the 28 GHz band by the Dec. 19 deadline to allocate it to a new mobile carrier.

Three domestic telecommunication companies -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- have given up the frequency spectrum.

Write to Ju-Hyun Lee and Hae-Sung Lee at deep@hankyung.com
 

Yeonhee Kim edited this article.