KT Unveils 6G Vision for Land, Sea, Air Coverage

BARCELONA — KT Corp. (030200) is launching construction of three-dimensional coverage spanning land, sea, and air for sixth-generation (6G) telecommunications commercialization. The initiative aims to enhance communication quality and provide seamless connectivity even during disasters. The company's strategy centers on leveraging its proprietary satellite infrastructure and 5G standalone (SA) technology capabilities to secure 6G leadership.

KT presented its 6G vision at a press briefing held in Barcelona, Spain, the venue for Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, the world's largest mobile telecommunications exhibition, on March 2 local time. Lee Jong-sik, Executive Vice President and Head of Network Research Institute, stated, "KT's proposed 6G aims for intelligent infrastructure combining networks and artificial intelligence (AI)," adding the company would lead AI transformation (AX) innovation through hyper-connected, ultra-reliable, and intelligent AI networks.

KT plans to build three-dimensional coverage integrating land, sea, and air communication networks to achieve hyper-connectivity in the 6G era. This aims not only to improve perceived quality in urban areas and building interiors but also to ensure smooth communication environments during disasters and emergencies.

Lee assessed that KT holds an advantageous position compared to other carriers in this regard. "The satellite infrastructure and service capabilities held by group affiliate KT SAT can support aerial coverage," he explained, adding, "We are continuing independent R&D national projects or considering collaboration with U.S.-based Starlink to build low-earth orbit satellite communications." KT SAT is currently conducting domestic B2B distribution business for Starlink services.

Another differentiated competitive advantage for KT in preparing for the 6G era is being the only domestic carrier with 5G SA technology capabilities. 5G SA is considered a prerequisite for core technologies needed to evolve toward 6G, including ultra-low latency services and AI-based network control. KT believes its experience operating independent 5G architecture will serve as an important technical asset in 6G structural design and commercialization processes.

"In the 6G era, we will improve customer quality using various technologies including non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology, next-generation relay technologies like RIS, and AI," Lee said, emphasizing, "Our goal is to launch 6G at 100% readiness from day one of commercialization." However, given intensifying competition between the U.S. and China for 6G leadership, the company indicated it would not rush to advance the commercialization timeline. "Even if standards are finalized in March 2029, commercialization by January 1, 2030, will not be easy," Lee projected. "It could be late 2030 or 2031."