KT announced on the 25th that it is collaborating with Ericsson, a global telecommunications equipment manufacturer, to conduct research on multi-radio multiple-input multiple-output base stations for low-band frequency division duplex (FDD) frequencies.
The technology for multi-radio multiple-input multiple-output base stations used in low-band FDD frequencies employs a larger number of antenna ports than traditional LTE base stations to enable high-speed transmission. In 5G-Advanced and 6G wireless networks, there is a need to provide ultra-high-speed communication services through mid-band frequencies, while also ensuring stable coverage through low-band frequencies. The multi-radio multiple-input multiple-output base station technology can enhance coverage and wireless capacity in low-band frequencies.
This technology simultaneously supports multi-radio capabilities and dual-band (1.8G/2.1G; the technology that allows for simultaneous transmission and reception on two frequency channels) on a single antenna and can expand coverage through beamforming (the technology that focuses wireless signals in the desired direction) and inter-cell interference cancellation in the uplink (the technology that removes interference signals from adjacent base stations in real time). Additionally, functions like multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) can increase transmission speeds by transmitting data to multiple users simultaneously.
KT plans to showcase the FDD-based multi-radio multiple-input multiple-output base station equipment and technology in collaboration with Ericsson at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, which will be held in Barcelona, Spain, on the 3rd of next month. The two companies will also continue to research technologies optimized for low-band frequencies, such as multi-radio frequency sharing technologies, and plan to strengthen cooperation for 6G standardization efforts aimed at reflecting these in standards.
To facilitate this research collaboration, KT signed a related business agreement with Ericsson at the KT Research and Development Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and also held a '6G Vision Workshop' between the two companies. KT aims to further solidify the research and development collaboration between the two companies through this.
Jung-sik Lee, executive director of KT's Future Network Research Institute, said, "KT will lead future mobile communication innovations based on AICT through this joint research and development of wireless network evolution technologies with Ericsson."
Thomas Appelqvist, Head of Customer Unit Korea at Ericsson, said, "I am very pleased to collaborate with KT on 6G technology in Korea, which is leading the global telecommunications market," and added, "I look forward to supporting KT in building the best network for the future."