Japan to allocate $450 million for next-generation 6G research fund

Japan is setting up a fund to support research into next-generation 6G wireless networks as the country seeks to stimulate private investment in the future standard, Nikkei Asia reported. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will designate 66.2 billion yen ($450 million) in the second supplementary budget for fiscal 2023. The fund will be established at the National Institute of Information and Communication Technology.

6G technology is expected to provide communication speeds that are more than 10 times faster than the current 5G standard. The technology is said to reduce power consumption and help advance decarbonization efforts. It is expected to launch around 2030.

China's Huawei, Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia control more than 70 percent of the global mobile base station market, according to Japan's communications ministry.

While Japanese companies are competitive in some of the components used in these base stations, overseas rivals currently dominate the field.

Japan has advanced technical knowledge in optical communications and is expected to form the backbone of 6G networks. By assisting in R&D efforts, the government seeks to consolidate its technological edge.