South Korean technology giants Samsung and KT are joining forces to research and develop technologies for improving 6G signal quality.
The two companies will pool their expertise to advance multi-antenna technologies, aiming to expand coverage across the potential frequency bands earmarked for 6G. Furthermore, the collaboration will explore the integration of AI within telecoms systems to bolster network stability and overall performance.
Jong-Sik Lee, Executive VP and Head of the Future Network Laboratory at KT, said: “Through this joint research with Samsung Electronics, we expect to secure next-generation network technologies that differentiate the quality of the user experience. We will further strengthen our efforts in developing core 6G technologies to lead future mobile communication innovations.”
This alliance comes amid ongoing global discussions and standardisation efforts surrounding the future of mobile communication. A key area of initial research for Samsung and KT will be eXtreme multiple-input multiple-output (X-MIMO,) which is described as an “ultra-high-density antenna technology designed to enhance 6G coverage and increase data transmission speeds.”
A milestone in the progression towards 6G was the identification of the 7 GHz band (7.125–8.4 GHz) as a candidate frequency at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23), hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The global mobile communications industry views this band as a particularly attractive option due to its favourable frequency characteristics and the availability of spectrum.
Angelo Jeongho Park, Executive VP and Head of the Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC) at Samsung Research, commented: “We are committed to developing innovative 6G technologies that enhance both the operational efficiency of the 7GHz band and the overall user experience. Our collaboration with KT will serve as a key foundation for advancing next-generation communications through reasonable, cost-effective investments.”
A key challenge associated with using the 7 GHz band for 6G signal is that it operates at a higher frequency than the 3.5 GHz C-band currently utilised in 5G networks. This higher frequency results in greater signal path loss, a factor that needs to be effectively mitigated to achieve communication coverage comparable to existing 5G services.
To overcome this hurdle, Samsung and KT will delve into research on advanced beamforming technology. This technique allows for the transmission of focused signals in specific directions, improving signal strength and reducing interference.
Additionally, the partners will explore multi-spatial transmission technology, which employs multiple beams to simultaneously deliver data to several users. In the context of X-MIMO systems operating within the 7 GHz band, a significantly higher number of antennas will be required compared to current 5G deployments. This necessitates the development of system architectures capable of efficiently managing these ultra-high-density antenna arrays.
Looking beyond pure technological advancements, both Samsung and KT recognise the transformative potential of converging telecoms with AI.
The partners’ collaborative research will focus on leveraging AI to deliver an enhanced user experience, particularly in areas with traditionally weaker signal coverage. For instance, AI could be employed to predict and proactively address potential communication disruptions—such as interruptions to video streaming services, ensuring a smoother and more reliable user experience.
This partnership between two of South Korea’s leading technology players is a significant moment in the global race to develop and deploy 6G networks. By focusing on key challenges such as signal path loss in higher frequency bands and exploring the intelligent integration of AI, Samsung and KT aim to ensure 6G is a leap forward in delivering faster, more reliable, and more pervasive mobile connectivity.
See also: Ericsson and SoftBank forge tech alliance towards future networks
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