Seoul: Ericsson Korea Partners, a joint venture between LG Electronics Inc. and Sweden's Ericsson, announced on Monday that it is an opportune moment for South Korea to focus on constructing a comprehensive fifth-generation (5G) network infrastructure to spearhead the development of sixth-generation (6G) services.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Sibel Tombaz, the Chief Executive Officer of Ericsson Korea Partners, emphasized during a press conference that South Korea could lead the transformation by making strategic decisions, fostering innovation, and executing plans swiftly. She described the current period as a "golden time" for Korea to make significant strides in network technology.
The 5G standalone (SA) network, which operates independently from the existing 4G infrastructure, offers a complete 5G-driven experience. The foundation of a 5G SA network is crucial for developing 6G infrastructure, which aims to deliver faster connectivity and advanced applications, including communication across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Tombaz highlighted the importance of South Korea's early actions in the global race for 6G as the nation transitions from 5G to 6G. She attributed South Korea's success in deploying 5G networks to its clear ambitions, efficient decision-making, and enthusiasm for technological advancement. She also projected that the year 2026 would mark a significant turning point with the widespread adoption of 5G standalone networks.
Ericsson Korea underscored that the 5G SA network represents more than a mere upgrade; it is a vital infrastructure for the future platform economy, which will host significant roles for artificial intelligence (AI), application programming interfaces (APIs), and augmented reality (AR). Tombaz expressed confidence in Korea's ability to lead the next wave of AI-driven network innovation, with Ericsson committed to supporting this transformation.
In March, Ericsson Korea Partners, formerly known as Ericsson-LG, underwent a rebranding process to strengthen its presence in the Korean market.