**LG Electronics Strengthens Telecommunications Solutions Business with 6G Research**
LG Electronics (003550) is actively enhancing its telecommunications solutions business amidst the emphasis on 6G technologies in the AI era. LG had previously commercialized the world’s first Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mobile phone system through LG Information & Communications, which was later absorbed in 2000. However, following mergers and a joint venture with Sweden’s Ericsson, and the subsequent spin-off of Ericsson-LG, the telecom business became fragmented, with LG Uplus (032640) handling telecom services while group-level concentration was lacking.
In 2019, LG Electronics made a significant move by establishing the 6G Research Center in collaboration with KAIST, signaling a shift towards reinvigorating its telecom solutions. By 2023, LG Electronics expanded into the corporate 5G sector by securing the ‘Ium 5G’ frequency, enhancing its business domain.
**Collaborative 6G Research with LG Uplus and KAIST**
According to industry sources on the 11th, LG Uplus and the LG Electronics-KAIST 6G Research Center conducted joint research to analyze the propagation characteristics of candidate frequency bands for 6G communications. The research teams experimented with frequency bands from 7-15 GHz and 140-160 GHz, examining the transmission and reflection properties across various construction materials such as glass, wood, and granite. These studies measured the losses occurring due to transmission and reflection.
Based on the research findings, LG Uplus and the 6G Research Center intend to develop 6G standard technologies and strategies for designing mobile communication cells, which refer to the geographical areas covered by a single base station. Effective cell design allows for optimized frequencies, ensuring uninterrupted service even while in motion. The research outcomes will be shared at the ‘2024 Korea Radio Industry Exhibition (KRS 2024)’ held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, on November 20th.
The research is expected to have a significant impact not only on 6G communication services but also on the efficiency of devices, including systems and appliances. Lee Sang-heon, Director of Network Advanced Development at LG Uplus, commented that the research would serve as crucial foundational data for the major frequencies in 6G networks. Cho Dong-ho, Honorary Professor at KAIST, added that it would contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of 6G systems and terminal products.
**Preparing for AI Hyperconnectivity with 6G**
Though LG Electronics does not engage in base station or telecommunications equipment manufacturing, it is preparing for businesses utilizing spatial AI, such as robots and home appliances. In this process, 6G and edge cloud technologies play essential roles. LG Electronics’ establishment of the 6G Research Center with KAIST in 2019 highlights the need for these advanced technologies. As AI becomes prevalent in humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, ultra-fast data transmission and ultra-low latency communication become imperative. Thus, 6G, which offers terabit-per-second (Tbps) transmission speeds and reduced latency, along with edge cloud technology that operates efficiently in limited internet environments, emerges as a crucial technology.
LG Electronics has already entered the corporate 5G market. In 2023, the company acquired the Ium 5G frequency (4.7GHz, 100MHz bandwidth) and collaborated with Korail to pilot the Ium 5G solution at Seoul Station and Shiheung Train Yard on November 8th. At Seoul Station, Ium 5G is applied to CCTV and alarm systems to prevent falls, while at the train yard, it supports efficient Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) through real-time vehicle status transmission. In the long term, LG plans to build a digital twin of railway facilities by creating a 3D virtual world.
Ium 5G is a customized 5G network optimized for specific spaces like smart factories and smart offices, and LG Electronics received ‘National Network Equipment Certification’ from the Korean Network Industry Association for the Ium 5G solution. LG Electronics’ CEO, Cho Ju-wan, stated that “the B2B business will continuously expand its high-value-added solutions customized for clients beyond mere product supply.”