"Seamless UAM Flight" ETRI Successfully Demonstrates 6G Ultra-Spatial Communication

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has successfully demonstrated real-time '6G ultra-spatial communication' technology that integrates terrestrial and satellite networks. This achievement is seen as a significant step toward securing leadership in the international standardization of 6G.

On July 8, ETRI announced that it had implemented seamless real-time terrestrial and satellite network connectivity in an urban air mobility (UAM) flight over an actual city, using a testbed comprised of terrestrial base stations, satellite base stations, integrated terminals, and a 6G core.

Lee Munsik, Head of the Satellite Communication Research Division at ETRI, is presenting key satellite communication technologies for 6G ultra-spatial communication at the recently held "ETRI Conference 2025." Photo by Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute

In particular, the demonstration featured 'dual steering' technology applied to the integrated terminal and 6G core, enabling the system to automatically select either terrestrial or satellite signals depending on the situation, thereby ensuring stable communication.

To maximize the impact of the demonstration, ETRI visually represented wireless link changes between ground-UAM and satellite-UAM by integrating CG-based animation with actual testbed equipment. In addition, a Keysight channel emulator was used to precisely replicate a real-world wireless environment.

The demonstration also allowed participants to experience ultra-spatial 6G services as if they were actually on board a UAM, using a head-mounted display (HMD). ETRI expects that this highly immersive experience will generate significant interest when UAM technology is commercialized in the future.

Previously, ETRI has led 3GPP international standardization activities based on the 6G ultra-spatial communication technology used in this demonstration, and has participated in the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) Alliance, among other research initiatives aimed at leading international standards.

Regarding this technology, ETRI has achieved world-class results, including the publication of 14 SCI papers, the filing of 48 domestic and international patents, and the adoption of 43 items in 3GPP international standards.

The technological capabilities demonstrated by ETRI are expected to be first applied to next-generation mobility services, including UAM, serving as a key infrastructure for seamless terrestrial and satellite connectivity.

Baek Yongsoon, Director of the Immersive Communication Research Laboratory at ETRI, stated, "In the 6G era, the boundaries between the ground and the sky will be eliminated, making true 'ultra-spatial communication' possible anywhere, anytime. This demonstration is clear evidence of Korea's technological leadership in the 6G sector."

This research was carried out as part of the 'Development of Core 6G Source Technologies' project, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP).

ETRI served as the lead organization, with participation from SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, KT SAT, SK Telink, AP Satellite, Cleverlogic, FRTEK, RFHIC, MTG, Ajou University, Inha University, and KAIST.