**[MWC 25]**, **KT’s Vision for 6G Dominance with Satellite, Quantum, and AI Networks**
KT has unveiled its vision to leverage satellite, quantum, and AI networks to secure leadership in 6G (sixth-generation mobile communication). On March 3 (local time), at the MWC 25 held in Barcelona, Spain, KT stated its intention to focus on acquiring related technologies, viewing satellite, quantum, and AI networks as key technologies for 6G amidst the intensifying global competition among telecom companies.
KT plans to establish a three-dimensional coverage by configuring a non-terrestrial network (NTN) using geostationary satellites (GEO), low earth orbit satellites (LEO), and stratospheric platforms (HAPS). This aims to extend the service range from land to sea and air, ensuring communication networks that can be utilized even in disaster situations.
Last September, KT demonstrated the world’s first technology to interlink the Mugunghwa 6 satellite (KOREASAT 6) as a 5G NTN standard. Follow-up research improved the issue of rapidly decreasing transmission efficiency (throughput) at satellite altitudes, successfully transmitting full HD video at a speed of around 10 Mbps in geostationary communication environments.
At MWC 25, KT also demonstrated NTN technology using a Mugunghwa satellite 6G communication environment emulator. By applying NTN technology that enhances transmission efficiency considering the radio wave environment, KT claims it can enable stable communication based on the 3GPP NTN standard even in GEO environments, which typically have significant communication delays.
Regarding quantum technology, KT plans to accelerate the era of quantum internet by utilizing quantum data transmission technology. As the importance of information protection becomes more pronounced, KT aims to establish a network impervious to data theft with quantum encryption, communication, and internet technologies. KT has advanced quantum cryptography communication, boosting the quantum key generation speed to the top domestic level of 150 kbps.
The significance of a ‘Quantum Secure Cloud’ service, protected by quantum encryption combined with confidential computing, was also highlighted. KT states that they will leverage the impenetrable quantum cryptography technology, enabling top-level security even against formidable computational power, such as that of quantum computers.
To secure critical technologies in satellite and quantum fields, KT is making concerted efforts, including signing MOUs with entities like KT SAT, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and LIG Nex1 for developing low earth orbit satellite communication technology and commercialization.
KT plans to showcase an AI-based network capable of self-learning and problem-solving, leveraging its AICT (a blend of AI and ICT) capabilities. They have developed services such as spam blocking and voice phishing detection by applying AI to information collected from current networks. KT is also focusing on creating synergy with AI applications like autonomous vehicles.
Lee Won-yul, head of KT’s Future Network Research Institute’s Access Network Research, will be a keynote speaker at the ‘Smart Mobility Leaders’ Summit’ during MWC 25. He stated, “KT is preparing a 6G network that contributes to digital innovation in daily life and industry, as well as to reinforced social responsibilities of telecommunication services like disaster readiness, customer information protection, and carbon neutrality. Satellite and quantum communication, as well as AI technology, are key to achieving this.”