SK Telecom, LG Uplus target December 5G SA launch
KT closed new 3G sign-ups on November 2 as SK Telecom and LG Uplus prepare to commercialize 5G standalone mode by December, according to inews24.com.
SK Telecom and LG Uplus are preparing to commercialize 5G standalone (SA) mode in December this year, according to inews24.com, as Korean carriers move to close out their older networks.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has attached a 5G SA transition obligation by the end of this year to its frequency reallocation conditions, tying the December target to spectrum the carriers hold.
The shift comes as 3G winds down. As of the end of August this year, 3G mobile phone lines in Korea numbered 252,591, or 0.44% of all mobile lines. SK Telecom stopped accepting new 3G subscriptions in August and aims to end the service by the end of next year.
KT, for its part, stopped accepting new 3G subscriptions starting on the 2nd of this month. The carrier is offering supported customers switching from 3G designated phones free of charge or 150,000 won worth of points.
3G was commercialized in Korea in 2003. LG Uplus never offered 3G, running 2G instead, commercializing LTE in 2011 and ending 2G in 2021. KT was the first of the three carriers to commercialize 5G SA, in July 2021.
Quick answers
When will 5G standalone mode be commercialized in Korea?
SK Telecom and LG Uplus are pursuing commercialization in December this year, under a transition obligation the Ministry of Science and ICT attached to frequency reallocation conditions.
How many 3G lines are left in Korea?
As of the end of August this year, 3G mobile phone lines numbered 252,591, or 0.44% of all mobile lines.
What does KT offer customers switching off 3G?
KT provides designated phones free of charge or 150,000 won worth of points to supported customers making the switch.