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Tag: 6G

  • Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom (SKT) have recently formalized their cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The partnership will focus on the development of crucial 6G technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology. The primary aim of the collaboration is to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, including AI-based channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, AI-RAN-based schedulers, and core network architectures.

    Leading the Collaboration

    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the collaboration. AI-based channel estimation technology aims to improve network performance by predicting and correcting signal transmission instantaneously. This allows for quick and accurate data delivery in environments where radio waves face obstructions such as buildings or walls.

    Unlike traditional setups, where a single base station handles data processing, distributed MIMO technology enables multiple base stations or antennas to collaborate in the transmission and reception of data. This innovative approach ensures reliable, ultra-high-speed communication in both urban and rural settings.

    Improving Network Quality

    AI-RAN schedulers and AI-based core networks are crucial for data transmission optimization. They efficiently dictate when, where, and how to send data, ensuring efficient resource allocation even when numerous user devices are connected. These technologies are vital for enhancing network quality and facilitating automation in a future hyperconnected society.

    Under the partnership, Samsung Research will be concentrating on the development of AI-RAN technologies, including AI-based channel estimation models, schedulers, and distributed MIMO. Meanwhile, SKT will be responsible for providing data and setting up test infrastructure based on its nationwide network operations. The companies are also making collaborative efforts as members of the AI-RAN Alliance.

    Future Prospects

    JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics, has expressed optimism about the joint venture with SKT. He believes that this field-focused collaboration will enable them to verify the efficacy of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings and secure key AI-RAN technologies at an early stage.

    Takki Yu, Vice President of SK Telecom Network Technology Office, emphasized that the fusion of AI and wireless communications will be crucial to 6G competitiveness. Through their partnership with Samsung Electronics, they plan to secure world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technologies and lead the global 6G ecosystem.

    Since 2019, when it established the Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung has been proactively pursuing 6G research, publishing the 6G White Paper and 6G Spectrum White Paper, which outline its vision and direction for next-generation communications.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of the collaboration between Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom?
    The collaboration aims to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, particularly artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology.

    Who will be leading this collaboration?
    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the partnership.

    What role does AI play in the development of 6G technologies?
    Artificial Intelligence is crucial in enhancing network quality, facilitating automation, and ensuring efficient resource allocation in a future hyperconnected society.

  • Intracom Telecom Drives APAC Wireless Connectivity Forward with Cutting-Edge Innovations

    Intracom Telecom Drives APAC Wireless Connectivity Forward with Cutting-Edge Innovations

    In the midst of a digital revolution across Asia Pacific (APAC), the demand for robust and adaptable wireless infrastructure is surging. This need is especially critical in regions where traditional fiber optics are either too expensive or logistically challenging to deploy. From bustling cities to secluded islands, Intracom Telecom is stepping up, delivering innovative solutions designed to enhance connectivity and bridge coverage voids.

    Recently, Retail News engaged with Barinder Chhabra, Head of Business Development for APAC at Global Commercial within Intracom Telecom, to explore how his team’s innovative wireless technologies are reshaping the network landscape in the region.

    Revolutionizing Connectivity with Cutting-Edge Technology

    At Intracom Telecom, the focus is clear: enabling ultra-fast and reliable connectivity throughout APAC, particularly in areas where fiber installation isn’t feasible. Their WiBAS™ G5 platform, which operates within the 26–28 GHz millimeter wave band, is a game-changer for multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), offering multi-gigabit broadband service over distances exceeding 8 km. Recently, a significant trial in Indonesia with a major telecom provider underscored this capability, with ongoing discussions with other Tier I operators aimed at promoting millimeter wave technologies for fixed wireless access (FWA). Impressively, their WiBAS™ 10.5 GHz systems have been delivering reliable performance since 2014 for key players in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia, even in extreme weather conditions.

    On the forefront of 5G transport innovation, the company holds a strong position with its UltraLink E-Band radios. The UltraLink-GX80 platform, currently offering speeds of 10 Gbps, is set to advance further to 15 Gbps and eventually 40 Gbps, meeting the high-capacity requirements for both 5G backhaul and fronthaul. Additionally, with solutions like OmniBAS, designed for both short and long-haul needs, Intracom Telecom is particularly well-positioned to serve island nations like Indonesia, where fiber deployment can be a logistical challenge.

    Adapting to Diverse Geographies and Demands

    APAC’s varied geography—ranging from congested urban landscapes to far-flung islands—demands wireless solutions that are high-performing yet adaptable. To that end, the WiBAS™ G5 platform is evolving to support frequencies surpassing 28.5 GHz, enhancing its functionality in urban settings while simultaneously ensuring that the long-trusted 10.5 GHz solutions remain pivotal in rural and inclement weather applications through intelligent software enhancements that optimize subscriber density and maintain service stability.

    Long-range connectivity is crucial in island nations, making the OmniBAS™ Long Haul (6–11 GHz) solution indispensable. This technology delivers multi-gigabit capacity over extensive distances by leveraging multiple channels and advanced signal techniques, which extend connectivity into remote areas while facilitating transitions to internet protocol (IP)-based networks.

    All these capabilities are supported by dedicated engineering and testing facilities within the company, ensuring compliance with the highest carrier-grade standards.

    Building Connections through Strategic Partnerships

    Collaboration is central to Intracom Telecom’s growth strategy in the region. A notable partnership with Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka has mobilized WiBAS™-based solutions to enhance broadband access in underserved rural areas. Meanwhile, their work alongside Lintasarta in Indonesia exemplifies how strategic alliances promote effective and efficient wireless connectivity for enterprises, both urban and remote.

    These collaborative efforts are not merely transactional; they involve deep co-development, aligning joint planning with market demands to ensure lasting impact. Global deployments underscore their reach, with over 20,000 point-to-multipoint network hubs and 600,000 terminals shipped worldwide, alongside substantial contributions of microwave and E-Band radios—making Intracom one of the largest vendors in carrier-grade point-to-point technologies. These initiatives are instrumental in closing the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion across the Asia-Pacific.

    Future-Proofing for 5G and Beyond

    As the landscape shifts with 5G and eyes move toward 6G, Intracom Telecom is unwavering in its commitment to futureproofing its technologies. Chhabra emphasizes the importance of flexibility and scalability in their designs, ensuring that platforms can evolve with the changing demands of traffic and subscriber loads.

    Research initiatives into ultra-high-frequency wireless technologies combined with AI-driven management tools are paving the way for 6G, emphasizing the importance of low-latency connections and adaptive spectrum use. Through these pioneering efforts, Intracom Telecom is not just preparing for the future— it’s helping to define it in the rapidly evolving world of connectivity.

    Questions & Answers

    What innovative solutions is Intracom Telecom implementing to enhance connectivity in APAC?
    Intracom Telecom is deploying its WiBAS™ G5 platform for high-speed broadband service in both urban and rural settings, along with advancing its UltraLink™ E-Band radios for the anticipated demands of 5G.

    How does the geography of APAC influence Intracom Telecom’s strategy?
    The diverse landscapes in APAC necessitate versatile wireless solutions, prompting Intracom Telecom to adapt its WiBAS™ systems for urban expansion and long-range connections ideal for island nations.

    What role do partnerships play in Intracom Telecom’s expansion efforts?
    Strategic alliances with companies like Dialog Axiata and Lintasarta are crucial, enabling tailored, community-focused broadband access that addresses the needs of underserved areas across the region.

  • Sceye’s Solar Drones Set to Revolutionize Connectivity with Promising 6G Internet Innovation

    Sceye’s Solar Drones Set to Revolutionize Connectivity with Promising 6G Internet Innovation

    In a bold leap towards the future of telecommunications, U.S.-based startup Sceye is pioneering solar-powered, helium-filled drones that will soon take to the skies at an altitude of approximately 60,000 feet, or about 18 kilometers. These high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) are designed to float serenely above weather patterns and commercial air traffic, harnessing the power of advanced solar arrays and cutting-edge lithium-sulfur batteries to maintain consistent operations, even throughout the night.

    Revolutionizing Connectivity and Monitoring

    With the ability to stay in position amid strong winds and carry substantial payloads, these innovative drones are positioned to provide stable, long-range internet services, environmental monitoring, and robust wildfire detection capabilities. What’s remarkable? Their actual design enables them to remain airborne for months, even extending up to a year! Sceye’s prototypes have already demonstrated this potential through over 20 successful test flights.

    SoftBank’s Vision for 6G Networks

    In an exciting development for the telecommunications landscape in Asia, SoftBank has secured a pre-commercial HAPS mission set for 2026 in Japan. This initiative is part of SoftBank’s broader strategy to propel the advent of next-generation 6G networks. The vision of integrating these airborne platforms with satellites and terrestrial networks aims to deliver rapid, low-latency broadband, especially in remote regions or areas struck by disaster where traditional infrastructure is severely compromised.

    A Glimpse into the Future of Technology

    Equipped with durable, UV- and ozone-resistant envelopes that are 1,500 times more gas-tight than previous models, these drones are not just technological marvels; they are harbingers of a more connected world. Through the collaboration between Sceye and SoftBank, the stage is being set for the deployment of 6G technology, promising to revolutionize how we connect and communicate, paving the way for advancements we are only beginning to imagine.

    Questions & Answers

    What are Sceye’s drones designed to do?
    Sceye’s drones are developed to provide high-altitude solutions for long-range internet connectivity, environmental monitoring, and wildfire detection.

    What is SoftBank’s role in this initiative?
    SoftBank has secured a pre-commercial HAPS mission in Japan for 2026, aligning with its goal to develop next-generation 6G networks that integrate these drones with other communication infrastructures.

    How long can Sceye’s drones potentially stay in the air?
    The drones can remain airborne for months, with the potential to stay aloft for up to a year, thanks to their innovative, gas-tight envelope design.

  • GSMA Leader Calls on Telcos to Prioritize 5G Completion Before Advancing to 6G

    GSMA Leader Calls on Telcos to Prioritize 5G Completion Before Advancing to 6G

    The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) is pushing the telecom industry to prioritize the completion of 5G standalone (SA) networks before diving headfirst into the era of 6G. At the recent MWC Shanghai 2025, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath emphasized that 5G SA is the golden key to unlocking a myriad of growth opportunities that operators have yet to fully explore.

    Focusing on the Potential of 5G

    As we continue to unravel the transformative capabilities of 5G, Badrinath posed a vital question that hangs in the air: “How can we drive growth?” He insisted that before looking too far into the future, it’s essential to concentrate on the vast potential that 5G brings today. “The potential of 5G is right in front of us,” he asserted, calling for a collective commitment to harnessing the full power of this technology.

    The Future is Configurable

    Badrinath highlighted the remarkable features of 5G SA, including faster data speeds, ultra-low latency, and advanced network slicing, which allow for a more adaptable and programmable network ecosystem. Such flexibility is critical for supporting the technologies of tomorrow, paving the way for innovations that could reshape industries.

    China Leading the Way

    When addressing global progress, Badrinath cited China as a notable example. In 2024, China Mobile marked a significant milestone by launching the world’s first commercial 5G-Advanced network, which is now operational in over 300 cities. “We must take this proven capability and make it accessible everywhere,” he urged, calling for worldwide efforts to replicate this success.

    AI and 5G: An Unbreakable Bond

    The director general also drew a compelling link between the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) and the pressing need for robust 5G infrastructure. “More AI creates more demand on networks,” he pointed out, emphasizing that our networks aren’t merely utilizing AI; they are the engines powering it. Without advanced connectivity, the AI revolution may stall. In China, this interplay is already being harnessed, with China Unicom’s smart connection platform enhancing efficiency by 18% at a Hebei steel plant through AI-driven failure predictions. China Telecom is also on the forefront, deploying private 5G networks tailored for specific industries—a move that may well set the standard for future applications.

    Unlocking New Markets

    Badrinath also spotlighted the GSMA Open Gateway API initiative, which aims to catalyze growth by opening up network capabilities to developers across various sectors. This collaborative approach is expected to uncover new market opportunities and drive innovation. Currently, an impressive 73 mobile operator groups, accounting for nearly 80% of global connections, are on board, including all major Chinese carriers—a clear indication of the momentum behind this initiative.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath’s speech at MWC Shanghai 2025?
    Badrinath urged the telecom industry to complete the rollout of 5G standalone networks before shifting attention to the development of 6G, highlighting the untapped potential of 5G as crucial for future growth.

    Why is 5G SA considered essential for the future of technology?
    5G SA offers transformative capabilities like faster data speeds and ultra-low latency, making the network more configurable and programmable, which is vital for supporting future technologies, including AI.

    How is China positioning itself in the global telecom space?
    China is leading with the launch of the world’s first commercial 5G-Advanced network and is also replicating its success in AI, as evidenced by innovations from companies like China Unicom and China Telecom.

  • India Targets to Roll Out 6G by 2030

    India Targets to Roll Out 6G by 2030

    At an event celebrating the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) 25th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country is on track to roll out domestically developed 6G by the end of the decade.

    Currently, India’s 5G developments are still underway. Modi noted that connectivity will determine the pace of India’s growth, making it important for the country to pursue modernization at every level.He called for accelerated 5G network deployments to boost the Indian economy, which is projected to add $450 billion to the country.

    “5G technology will bring positive change in the governance of the country, ease of living and ease of doing business,” Modi stressed. “It will boost growth in agriculture, health, education, infrastructure and logistics.”

    At the same time, Modi announced the country’s first 5G testbeds, which would enable start-ups and industry players to test and validate their products locally and reduce dependence on foreign facilities.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended a base price for upcoming spectrum auctions. According to sources, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to move the 5G spectrum auction proposal to the Union Cabinet for approval next week.

     

  • Vietnam to begin 6G technology research and development

    Vietnam to begin 6G technology research and development

    Vietnam will start researching 6G wireless networks in 2022, says Information and Communications Minister Nguyen Manh Hung. Addressing a 2021 telecom review conference last weekend, Hung said Vietnam’s telecom industry should “be in the top group in terms of deploying 5G and developing 6G networks in the world.”

    He said Vietnam will carry out 6G research this year alongside nationwide deployment of the 5G network. According to the ministry Department of Telecommunications, a steering committee for 6G research development has been formed. Vietnam is one of the world’s first ten countries to set up this committee.

    Hung also set a target of 6G frequencies being licensed by 2028 before moving on to its commercial rollout.

    “Telecom networks must quickly transition to cloud-based and software-based architectures, so that the network becomes intelligent and flexible, and can be software-configured into numerous specialized sub-networks. Open RAN will be used as a technology for 5G, 6G development,” he said.

    Vietnamese companies should target to successfully research and manufacture 5G and 6G equipment, transmission equipment, and terminal equipment, he added.

    A representative of the department said that Vietnam will commercialize 5G this year and aim to have 25 percent of the population using the technology by 2025. He said 4G services currently cover 99.8 percent of the country.

    Three major telecom providers VNPT, MobiFone, and Viettel have been commercially trialing 5G services in 16 provinces and cities.

    6G technology is the next step after 5G that is being researched in a few countries including the U.S. and China.

    In theory, 6G could reach speeds of one terabit per second, it has been reported.

    The 6G network is expected to lay the groundwork for an “intelligent era” in which AI and robots become commonplace. However, no technical standards or frequencies for 6G have been agreed upon as yet.

  • Forget 5G, Samsung says that now is the time to begin work on 6G

    Forget 5G, Samsung says that now is the time to begin work on 6G

    Just when you’ve finally been able to wrap your mind around 5G and understand the difference between sub-6GHz and mmWave airwaves, and know why low-latency is better than high-latency (which puts you way ahead of the average consumer by the way), Samsung throws you a curveball and releases a “White Paper” about 6G. A “White Paper” is supposed to make a complicated issue easier for the public to understand.

    The paper, titled “The Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All,” says that the company’s goal is to bring 6G “to every corner of life.” Samsung sees 6G standards completed by 2028 with mass commercialization starting two years later. While 5G is based on performance goals, Samsung says that three requirements must be met for 6G service to become available: For example, to be called 6G the download data speed must be no lower than 1,000 Gbps. As a comparison, Open Signal says that in the states Verizon currently has the fastest average 5G download data speed just shy of 500Mbps. With 6G, latency is expected to be less than 100 microseconds or one-tenth the latency of 5G.

    Samsung says that by 2030, the number of connected devices (500 billion) will exceed the human population (8.5 billion) by a factor of 59. Mobile devices will include AR glasses, VR headsets, and hologram devices. These screens will be connected to 6G networks and these networks will be built for machines rather than humans. The dominant users of 6G will be machines and Samsung’s report states that “the capability of human eye is limited to a maximum resolution of 1/150° and view angle of 200° in azimuth and 130° in zenith. On the other hand, machine vision capability is not constrained by such limitations, since it can take advantage of many cameras with various functions. Considering such high capabilities of machines, the performance requirements for the 6G system could be extremely high for relevant service scenarios.”

    6G will help the world by addressing social issues with its hyper-connectivity according to Samsung. “A wide deployment of 6G will reduce differences in regional and social infrastructure and economic opportunities and thereby provide alternatives to rural exodus, mass urbanization, and its attendant problems. We expect, in summary, that 6G mobile communications will…tremendously contribute to the quality and opportunities of human life.”

    The White Paper discusses technologies that are not available now due to the limitations of today’s technology. Truly Immersive XR, which combines AR, VR, and mixed reality, will be an important tool for entertainment, medicine, science, education, and manufacturing. But current mobile devices do not have the current processing power required and battery capacity needed.

    High-Fidelity Mobile Holograms will require data speeds hundreds of times faster than 5G is capable of delivering. Even at 5G’s peak data speed of 20Gbps, faster rates are required and 6G will be able to deliver this. In addition, a full-sized human hologram requires a large number of pixels. The paper also mentions Digital Replicas. Samsung explains what this is by saying, “With the help of advanced sensors, AI, and communication technologies, it will be possible to replicate physical entities, including people, devices, objects, systems, and even places, in a virtual world.” These are called digital twins and users will be able to interact with them using VR devices or holographic displays.

    Samsung says that improvements in technology have allowed standards for each new generation of wireless to be created in only eight years down from the 15 years that it used to take. The report says that as soon as next year, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) could start working on its 6G vision. You might think that this is all crazy talk considering that 5G is far from finished. The company explains in its conclusion that it is actually the right time to start preparing for 6G.