SK Telecom (SKT) has unveiled its 6G White Paper, outlining vital prerequisites for 6G standardization and charting the course for future network progression.
The journey toward 6G standardization is in its early stages. In June 2023, the International Telecommunication Union-Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Working Party (WP) 5D introduced the Framework Recommendation for the 6G Network, with anticipated commercialization around 2030.
Additionally, discussions on 6G candidate frequencies are set to commence at the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) by year-end. WP 5D aims to embark on delineating the technical performance criteria for 6G starting in 2024.
In its dedication to shaping the 6G standardization, SKT has unveiled a comprehensive white paper. This document encapsulates its perspectives on the pivotal requirements for 6G and the methodological evolution of 6G, alongside insights into contemporary trends in frequency standardization.
The 6G White Paper delves into extensive analysis, developmental trajectories, and methodologies related to promising 6G use cases, technological trajectories, and potential frequencies. Drawing upon its proficiency attained through the world's pioneering 5G commercialization and operation, SKT advances 6G's key prerequisites to realize envisaged usage scenarios and services in the upcoming 6G era.
Notable among these 6G imperatives are robust 6G offerings and services, streamlined architectural alternatives, coverage-expanding technologies, and innovative strategies for mitigating device heat and power consumption, ultimately elevating user experiences.
Furthermore, SKT envisions that the advent of 6G commercialization will propagate megatrends such as AI, energy efficiency, and quantum security across all facets of network domains.
This evolution will encompass dedicated technologies tailored to distinct network domains, spanning radio access, core, transport, and aerial networks.
In February 2023, SKT and NTT DOCOMO jointly released two white papers, one on green mobile networks, and the other on requirements for future 6G networks.
SKT have been actively participating in global organizations and initiatives, including the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance and the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), while expanding its cooperation with major telcos throughout the globe.
Furthermore, through research and development partnerships, the company 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 of SKT. “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.”
