LG Uplus said on the 2nd that it signed a business agreement with LG Electronics for preemptive research and development of AI-based communications technology and cooperation on international standardization to prepare for the 6G (sixth-generation mobile network) era. The two companies plan to use this agreement as a starting point to strengthen cooperation in core next-generation communications technologies such as semantic communication and post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
"Semantic communication" is a technology that uses AI to improve transmission efficiency by focusing on the meaning and context of information rather than the volume of information itself. It can deliver necessary information accurately while reducing data traffic, drawing attention as a foundational technology for realizing ultra-low latency and ultra-high efficiency communications in the 6G era. PQC is a next-generation security technology designed to respond to projections that future quantum computers could threaten existing cryptographic systems.
The company said the agreement is meaningful not only for securing technology for the commercialization of 6G, but also for proactively identifying the key elements that will shape the structure of future communications environments and preparing together for standardization discussions.
Next-generation mobile networks are expected to evolve beyond a simple race for speed, moving toward improving network efficiency through AI and further advancing security frameworks. To respond to these shifts, the two companies agreed to combine network operations experience with device and platform technology capabilities to build a foundation for technological leadership.
As a telecommunications operator and network manager, LG Uplus will derive requirements for semantic communication and review real-world network applicability and use cases. It will also identify security requirements and standardization issues from an operator's perspective and consult with LG Electronics on directions for responding at international standardization meetings such as 3GPP. LG Electronics will study semantic communication architectures and algorithms and review core technologies that can be applied to devices and platforms, along with plans to advance systems. In PQC as well, the companies will examine related technology trends and standard proposals together and seek application strategies at the device and system levels.
The two companies also plan to co-host an annual technology exchange forum to continue making concrete progress in cooperation across AI-based 6G Network technologies.
Lee Sang-yeop, chief technology officer (CTO) of LG Uplus, said, "In the 6G era, the fusion of AI and communications will be a key element that determines technological competitiveness," adding, "Through cooperation with LG Electronics, we will strengthen our capabilities together in research and development and international standardization for future AI-based communications core technologies such as semantic communication and PQC."