TOKYO — Japan is launching a fund to support research into next-generation 6G wireless networks as the country aims to encourage private investment in the future standard.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications allocates 66.2 billion yen ($50 million) for the second supplemental budget of 2023. The fund established at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology will financially support research and development activities for several years.
6G technology promises to provide more than 10 times faster communication speeds than the current 5G standard. The technology is said to reduce energy consumption and could help boost carbon emissions. The commission is expected around 2030.
According to the Ministry of Communications in Japan, Huawei of China, Ericsson of Sweden and Nokia of Finland control more than 70 percent of the global market for mobile base stations.
Although Japanese companies are competitive in some of the components used in these base stations, the field is currently dominated by foreign competitors.
Japan has advanced technological knowledge in optical communications, which is expected to form the backbone of the 6G network. By supporting R&D’s efforts, the government wants to strengthen its technological edge.
The global development race is heating up. The European Union will invest 900 million euros ($889 million) in research and development between 2021 and 2027. Germany will invest 700 million euros in its research between 2021 and 2025, and China also plans to increase research.
Know more about Global Tech Industry insights and news