Samsung and LG Uplus will conduct tests on 6G sensing technology that could serve as a substitute for radar.

      Samsung Electronics and LG Uplus entered into a memorandum of understanding on May 27 to collaboratively develop Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a technology that enables mobile network base stations to also function as environmental sensors. The agreement was signed at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul, with Samsung Research, the advanced R&D division of Samsung's Device eXperience unit, spearheading the development.

      ISAC operates by analyzing wireless signals that bounce off nearby objects, thereby extracting data regarding an object's speed, distance, and movement direction. This means that a cell tower could identify a drone, monitor a vehicle's movement, or observe foot traffic without needing any specialized sensing equipment. The technology utilizes the same signals that are already used for voice and data transmission, transforming existing communication infrastructure into a sensing platform.

      Importance of ISAC

      Currently, environmental sensing relies on specialized equipment. For instance, LiDAR systems use laser beams to gauge distance, while radar employs radio waves. Both systems require separate hardware that needs to be installed, powered, and maintained independently from the communication network. ISAC removes this necessity by utilizing the wireless infrastructure that mobile operators have already established.

      The International Telecommunication Union’s Radiocommunication Sector, which sets global mobile standards, has classified ISAC as one of six usage scenarios for IMT-2030, the formal term for 6G. It is grouped with immersive communication, hyper-reliable low-latency communication, massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity, and AI-integrated communication. This inclusion indicates that 6G networks are being designed to sense the physical environment as well as to transmit data.

      Testing Initiatives

      The collaboration will initially concentrate on detecting humans for safety applications and enhancing network operational efficiency. The two companies aim to assess ISAC performance first on LG Uplus’s existing 5G networks and then move to the 7 GHz band, a potential frequency for 6G that balances wide coverage with high bandwidth.

      Over time, the partnership will integrate ISAC-generated wireless data, including location, speed, and density, with camera imagery to enhance detection accuracy. This effort will include creating multimodal AI models that integrate and process various types of sensing information. Samsung Research will oversee core ISAC and AI technology development, while LG Uplus will supply data and field-testing infrastructure from its commercial network.

      Spectrum Considerations for 6G

      The 7 GHz band is increasingly referred to as the “golden band” for 6G because it provides sufficient bandwidth for high-speed data while also allowing for practical coverage distances. South Korea is actively considering the 7.125 to 8.4 GHz range as a main candidate for 6G. The World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023 designated portions of the 6.425 to 7.125 GHz band for mobile use in various regions, and the 7.125 to 8.4 GHz range is slated for discussion at WRC-27.

      In the United States, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration must finalize its review of the 7.125 to 7.4 GHz band by the end of 2026 before it can be made available for commercial wireless. Europe is focusing on the upper 6 GHz range. Decisions made at WRC-27 will significantly determine which countries can deploy 6G at scale. For South Korea, which is sensitive to fluctuations in global tech supply chains, securing early access to 6G spectrum and standards is a strategic goal.

      Samsung's 6G Strategy

      Samsung has been systematically establishing its 6G credentials. The company has released a 6G white paper that articulates its vision for AI-driven and sustainable communications, showcased 6G technologies with global partners at the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit in November 2025, and demonstrated AI-RAN capabilities at Mobile World Congress in March 2026. The collaboration with LG Uplus marks a transition from laboratory demonstrations to real-world validation on an operational commercial network.

      This partnership combines Samsung's research expertise with LG Uplus's operational infrastructure, a critical combination given that ISAC performance in controlled settings might differ greatly from that in real-world networks affected by interference, building reflections, and variable traffic conditions. Samsung's broader aspirations in AI and semiconductor manufacturing give it a uniquely integrated role in 6G infrastructure, which few competitors can rival.

      Though commercial deployment of 6G is not anticipated until the early 2030s, and ISAC must overcome both technical and regulatory challenges before it can replace dedicated sensing equipment on a large scale, the technology signifies a significant advancement in the capabilities of wireless networks. Samsung and LG Uplus are now assessing whether the underlying physics can be successfully applied outside of the lab environment.