The South Korean government has unveiled the ‘Hyper AI Network Strategy’ to build an AI superhighway, focusing on 6G commercialization, expansion of AI base stations, and reinforcement of submarine cables. This strategy aims to comprehensively upgrade national network infrastructure and enhance industrial competitiveness in the AI era.
The strategy targets upgrading all areas of the national network—including mobile, wired, submarine cable, and satellite communications—by 2030. It includes transitioning to 5G standalone mode (SA) in 2025, commercializing 6G by 2030, and deploying over 500 AI-RAN base stations. Backbone network capacity will be quadrupled, and fiber coverage will expand to 98% of households by 2030.
Submarine cable capacity will double to over 220Tbps by 2030, with diversified landing points to enhance stability. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication will be supported by a 320 billion won project from 2025 to 2030 to secure key technologies and enter global supply chains. A feasibility study for an independent satellite network will be conducted next year through a public-private-military committee.
The government aims to capture 20% of the global 6G and AI network market and nurture five companies with over 500 billion won in revenue by 2030. A total of 290 billion won will be invested from 2025, with tax incentives, frequency allocation, and the introduction of a low-power base station certification system to support the industry.