South Korea to fund public-sector 5G and AI network projects from 2027
The Ministry of Science and ICT and NIA have begun a demand survey with education, defence, health and safety ministries, according to etnews.com.
South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said it will run a multi-ministry programme, the Network AX Demand Creation Support Project, from 2027 to help public institutions build next-generation networks and test AI services, according to etnews.com.
The ministry and the National Information Society Agency (NIA) have started a basic demand survey covering the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Education, defence, healthcare and disaster safety are the priority areas.
Supported technologies include 5G specialised networks, 5G-Advanced, 5G standalone (SA), network slicing and AI-RAN. The programme will also back demonstrations of AI services such as physical AI, AI agents and augmented reality (AR) glasses.
The support period runs from 2027 to 2030, four years in total. The plan is to select 3 projects next year and provide 9 billion won over two years, then choose 2 to 3 additional projects. If the budget is confirmed next month, operators will be selected in early 2027.
Private sector ahead of the public sector
Private companies have been putting full effort into AX for task innovation, cost reduction and maximising production capacity, but public institutions have moved more slowly because of rigid work practices, organisational constraints and security issues. Corporate investment has also recently concentrated heavily on AI models.
Quick answers
When does South Korea's Network AX programme start?
It is scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030, with operators to be selected in early 2027 if the budget is confirmed next month.
Which technologies does the programme support?
5G specialised networks, 5G-Advanced, 5G standalone, network slicing and AI-RAN, along with demonstrations of physical AI, AI agents and AR glasses.
How much funding is planned?
Three projects are to receive 9 billion won over two years, with 2 to 3 more projects to be selected later.