Laying the foundation for 5G infrastructure in the global market
South Korea launched the world’s first nationwide 5G networks two days earlier in order to be the first country to offer the super-fast wireless technology. Three top telecom providers namely SK Telecom, KT and Lg Uplus began their 5G services on April 3 despite announcing the launch date as April 5th. The scheduling of the launch was altered when there was speculation that US mobile provider Verizon might start its 5G services early. Therefore, South Korea had to hastily organize a late-night launch of the 5G wireless technology. The early launch will provide an opportunity for South Korea to demonstrate their expertise, lay the foundation and set standards for 5G infrastructures in the global 5G market
Mr. Yang Maeng-seog, Vice President of SK Telecom, stated, “Being the first means a lot because it means we are the first to lay the entire 5G infrastructure, having overcome lots of technological difficulties through collaboration between telecom, phone and gear companies.”
Availability of the 5G network in South Korea for regular customers
The 5G network services will be available for the regular customers in Seoul and some other major cities on 5 April 2019 when Samsung Electronics rolls out the Galaxy S10 5G, the world’s first available smartphone with 5G technology inbuilt in the phone. Besides that, the carrier plan to expand its coverage to 85 cities across the country by the end of 2019
You Young-min, South Korean minister for Science and Information Technology, stated. “The government and private companies came together to achieve the world’s first commercialized 5G services and this proves once again our country is undoubtedly the top powerhouse in information and communications.”
Offering instantaneous connectivity for smartphones
The 5G technology will offer smartphones instantaneous connectivity. Along with that, The 5G-enabled smartphones can download data 20 times faster than the existing 4G device.The faster networks would enable users to download movies quickly, improve live broadcasts and streaming services for music and videos. Along with that, the 5G networks will allow for a broader range of virtual reality services. According to an industry alliance London Global System for Mobile Communications, The technology is crucial for the future development of devices such as self-driving vehicles and is expected to bring about $565 billion in global economic benefits by 2034.
