Page 61 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Samsung and KT Partner to Counter 6G Signal Quality Challenges

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

61 MAY 2025