Doosan

1. Korea Leading the Global 5G Market

Korea has now been using 5G networks for 3 years. According to the Korean Ministry of Science, there are 22,280,000 5G users in Korea as of February of 2022, making up 30% of all wireless communications subscribers. It is estimated this number will increase to 30 million by 2023. The global market research firm Omdia has rated the quality of 5G in Korea to be the best in the world in terms of speed and coverage and, on March 10 of 2023, the Wall Street Journal praised Korea for having a higher rate of 5G adapters per capita than any other country in the world.

However, there are still many improvements that should be made in relation to the quality of service for Korean customers because the Korean 5G networks are still based on a 3.5GHz bandwidth. As of 2021, there were only 138 completed mmWave 28GHz base stations, which is a lackluster 0.3% of the 45,000 base stations that were slated for completion by that time.

2. The Evolution of 5G

Around the world, countries are earnestly increasing investment in sub-6GHz frequency 5G bands as we move into the 5G era while certain countries like Korea are focusing on more advanced mmWave ultra-high frequencies. mmWave bands of 24Ghz or higher are particularly effective for high-volume data transfer in applications such as industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories. In order to improve mmWave 5G service, the characteristics of short-range frequencies must be considered.

With a high concentration of base stations along with a large quantity of antennas, the implementation of beamforming technology is important for strengthening directional transmission and reception of signals and Massive MIMO(Multiple Input, Multiple Output). In the wireless repeater space, Doosan Corporation Electro-Materials’ 5G antenna module is implemented with US firm Movandi’s beamforming antenna technology and provides an integrated solution with functions that include signal transmission and reception, and frequency conversion.

Discussions are taking place concerning 5G Advanced, which combines various IoT and communications networks based on a balance of super-high-speed, ultra-low-latency, and hyper-connectivity technology. Until now, the innovation of 5G was propelled by advancements in technology. However, as we move into the era of 5G Advanced and 6G, it is predicted that devices and ‘killer content’ will evolve through the integration of infrastructure and base technology with content and services.

3. Growth of the 5G Network Equipment and Smart Device (Terminal) Market

Growth in the markets related to the 5G technology we’re discussing is also expected to accelerate.

The number of global 5G service subscribers reached 660 million in 2021 and that number is expected to grow to encompass 60% of the world’s population by 2026. In accordance with these figures, the global 5G equipment market reached USD 3.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to USD 24 billion by 2025.

The AIoT market has come into the spotlight based on next-generation process automation and virtualization, future connectivity, distribution infrastructure, and AI application and implementation. AIoT is the collection of data and development of artificial intelligence to resolve problems or achieve goals for integration and usage in objects. The number of IoT connected devices in 2021 reached 13.8 billion and, in comparison, is forecasted to reach double that number to 27 billion by 2025.

Out of all smartphones in the global market in 2021, 40% of models support 5G. By 2026, 5G capable smartphones are expected to make up 90% of the market. In addition, the annual growth rate of the global wearable market is expected to be 14% from 2021 to reach USD 118 billion by 2028. The XR (AR, VR, MR) market has expanded beyond entertainment into other fields, including education, broadcasting, advertising, medicine, and logistics to reach approximately 9 million units and is expected to grow to 55 million units by 2025.

In 5G or higher frequency environments, there is a need for hardware machine learning functionality, big data analysis functionality, time-saving and low-power technology, and advanced security technology. Doosan Corporation Electro-Materials has plans for continuing to strengthen low Df, low Dk high-end CCL materials and 5G antenna solutions to ensure stable high-frequency operation of boards and chipsets in telecommunications equipment and IoT devices.

Aside from the 28GHz antenna module repeater currently in mass production, 39GHz and 26GHz frequency products are expected to be released and applications are expected to expand into other areas, including RF front-end modules (transmission and reception distribution signal control equipment), small cell, CPE (equipment that allows users to connect to telecoms services), and autonomous and connected vehicles.

Author: Hyunbin Kim / Marketing Manager

Contact : [email protected]