Issue High entry barriers to 6G and satellite investment and the case for public demand creation

Summary

The report flags profitability as a rising problem because 6G research and low-orbit satellite development require enormous upfront investment. Korean telecom operators have not fully shed the financial burden of their 5G investments and remain reluctant to invest in 6G and satellite communications, where returns are uncertain. The report therefore expects the government's role in creating demand early and running demonstration projects to become more important. Policy directions include planning intelligent 6G capacity expansion and traffic-prediction-based operation for ultra-low-latency, high-bandwidth services. They also include finding test services and buyers for converged 6G and satellite technology in public areas such as disaster safety and defence to draw in private investment.