S. Korea joins 10-nation statement on endorsing 6G principles

South Korea has participated in a 10-nation joint statement outlining principles for the research and development of the sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications systems, its science ministry said Tuesday. The statement was jointly issued by South Korea, the United States, Australia, Japan and six other countries on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024, calling for the creation of a safe and interoperable 6G network, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. Under the declaration, the 10 countries have agreed to work together to support a trusted technology that is protective of national security, and secure, resilient and protective of privacy. The 6G system should also be built on global industry-led and inclusive standards, and support open and interoperable innovation as part of efforts to foster international collaborations, the statement read. The statement also called for affordability, sustainability and global connectivity, as well as secure and resilient supply cha ins in the system to promote healthy competition in the global market. "Our government has set the direction of 6G technology development," Science Minister Lee Jong-ho said. "It aims to strengthen the security of the supply chain for core components, promote openness in network infrastructure and software-based transformations, and reduce energy consumption and expand coverage." "To maintain and boost the country's competitiveness at a time when advanced technologies are connected with national security, we will work to play a leading role in devising and refining principles on core and new technologies," Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said. Source: Yonhap News Agency