Taiwan approves NT$27B plan for next-gen communications by 2030

The Executive Yuan today passed its plan for developing next-generation communications technology, looking to invest NT$27 billion (US$923.155 million) between this year and 2030.

The project, led by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), was presented during a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the importance of capitalizing on emerging 6G and satellite broadband technologies to secure Taiwan’s position in the global next-generation communications industry, according to a post-meeting statement.

The initiative aims to enhance Taiwan’s influence in global decision-making through a public-private partnership model and to reinforce the country’s position in the international supply chain.

The funds would go to increasing Taiwan’s autonomy in the sector, boosting local content rates up to 80 percent and inviting at least three international satellite companies to Taiwan.

The goal would be to increase the output value of ground equipment from NT$244.1 billion last year to NT$320 billion in 2030, a 31-percent increase.

Between 2019 and 2022, Taiwan’s 5G action plan received NT$20.4 billion of investment, and last year, Taiwan’s communication sector value was NT$1.28 trillion, a report by the NSTC said.

The value of Taiwan’s satellites has steadily grown, rising to NT$289.9 billion in 2023, the report said, and Taiwanese manufacturers have already entered the global satellite supply chain, it said.

The plan would promote three strategic focuses, including crucial application services, establishing experimental networks to have faster research and development and strengthening cooperation across different business ecosystems.

Investing NT$27 billion over six years would allow the NSTC to help guide the industry and attract investment, it said.

Under the plan, the NSTC would help fill development gaps in components and systems, develop testing platforms and trials, help the industry adopt international standards and increase resources for government agencies seeking to develop technology projects, it said.

The government also intends to promote the integration of 6G and satellite communications into various industries, including telemedicine and smart transportation, the NSTC said.

In addition, the project would support research and development of globally competitive chips, components and equipment, with input from other ministries, academia and industry stakeholders.

This communications development proposal is also part of the NSTC’s long-term space development plan, which would see Taiwan develop its own satellites as well as launch collaborations with international firms.

The goal is to send the nation’s first low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite into space in 2027, with the goal of eventually launching six satellites and developing a domestic satellite sector, the NSTC said.

LEO satellites are at the center of 6G, officials said.

Furthermore, as Taiwan’s 4G and 5G networks do not fully cover remote areas, like at sea or in high altitudes, those areas would depend on LEO communications satellites, officials added.

Building an industrial supply chain, including manufacturing satellites, ground stations, equipment and services, would meet national security goals and improve people’s livelihoods, they said.

The NSTC noted that the project aligns with President William Lai’s “Taiwan plus one” strategy, which encourages cooperation with countries like the US to build “democratic supply chains.” TaipeiTimes