Samsung Electronics, KT Hit Record 6G Speeds in 7GHz Band

Why It Matters

The result validates the 7 GHz band as a viable high‑capacity spectrum for 6G, accelerating industry rollout plans for next‑generation, data‑heavy services.

Key Takeaways

• 3 Gbps downlink achieved in 7 GHz band.
• Test used massive MIMO with eight simultaneous streams.
• Collaboration involved Samsung, KT, and Keysight test equipment.
• X‑MIMO mitigates range limits of high‑frequency bands.
• Results accelerate AI and XR‑focused 6G deployments.

Pulse Analysis

The 7 GHz spectrum sits between traditional sub‑6 GHz 5G bands and the millimeter‑wave frequencies earmarked for early 6G trials. Its wider channel bandwidth promises higher throughput, but historically it has suffered from shorter range and obstacle sensitivity. Samsung’s recent demonstration, conducted with KT’s simulated network and Keysight’s measurement tools, shows that the band can deliver multi‑gigabit speeds while maintaining coverage levels similar to current 5G deployments, reshaping expectations for mid‑band 6G planning.

At the heart of the achievement is an advanced massive MIMO system, dubbed X‑MIMO, that aggregates eight parallel data streams from a single base station. By densely packing antenna elements and employing sophisticated beam‑forming algorithms, the architecture overcomes the propagation challenges that typically plague higher frequencies. This approach not only boosts raw data rates but also improves spectral efficiency, allowing operators to serve more users per cell without sacrificing reliability—a critical factor as network densification intensifies.

For enterprises and consumers, the breakthrough signals a faster path to AI‑driven services, immersive extended‑reality experiences, and real‑time digital twins. Companies that can harness the 7 GHz band will gain a competitive edge in delivering ultra‑low‑latency, high‑bandwidth applications that outpace 5G capabilities. Samsung’s leadership in prototype development positions it to influence global 6G standards, while KT’s involvement underscores South Korea’s ambition to be a front‑runner in next‑generation connectivity. The industry will watch closely as these technologies transition from lab trials to commercial rollouts over the next few years.

Samsung Electronics, KT hit record 6G speeds in 7GHz band

Feb. 20, 2026 · 14:19 · By Jang Hae‑rin

Samsung Electronics said Friday it had achieved record data transmission speeds in the 7‑gigahertz band — a core frequency for 6G networks — in a test with Korean telecom operator KT and US electronics test‑equipment firm Keysight Technologies.

The ultrahigh‑density multiple‑antenna technology is based on massive multiple‑input multiple‑output (MIMO) architecture, which integrates a large number of antennas into a single system to improve efficiency and speed.

Under the partnership, Samsung developed a prototype base station equipped with the technology, while KT provided a simulated network environment. Verification was carried out using Keysight’s 6G test equipment.

The companies achieved a downlink speed of 3 gigabits per second, the fastest results reported to date in the 7 GHz band, by simultaneously sending eight data streams from the base station to a user device.

The 7 GHz band is a promising frequency range for 6G because it offers more bandwidth and higher data rates than the 3.5 GHz 5G band, though higher frequencies typically suffer from shorter transmission ranges and greater sensitivity to physical obstacles.

The companies noted that the X‑MIMO configuration overcame these limitations, delivering coverage comparable to current 5G networks while significantly improving transmission speeds. Samsung expects these results to support 6G development in sectors with rapidly growing data demand, such as artificial intelligence and extended reality.

“Through our collaboration with KT and Keysight, we have confirmed the potential for further breakthroughs in transmission speed for next‑generation communications,” said Jeong Jin‑guk, head of Samsung’s advanced communications research center. “We will continue to lead the development of future network technologies for the 6G era.”

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