Over the past year, the number of users of the 5G specialized network (5G Connect) has doubled compared to the previous year.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 3rd that the use of 5G has more than doubled compared to the previous year, expanding to 54 locations in 30 companies and organizations nationwide as of the end of 2023.

'Eum5G (5G specialized network)' is a communication network that utilizes 5G frequencies in specific areas so that general companies, not mobile communication companies, can implement their own networks. Its purpose is to actively utilize the advantages of 5G mobile communication in specific areas such as land and buildings.

In December 2021, Naver Cloud was the first domestic operator to be allocated a frequency and first introduced the service. In 2022, it began use in 26 locations in 9 fields including manufacturing, medical, and logistics, and in 2023, it expanded to 54 locations in 14 fields including automobiles, shipbuilding, steel, and education, expanding the scope of use to all industries. Currently, there are 18 ‘frequency allocation’ companies and 12 ‘frequency designation’ companies.

According to industry experts, there will be 2,900 5G-specific network networks worldwide by the end of 2023, and this is expected to increase at a CAGR of 33% to reach 11,900 by 2028.

Meanwhile, in Korea, the system has been improved by simplifying the application process and submission documents for 5G and excluding foreign stock ownership restrictions when registering as a basic telecommunications business to expand 5G. In addition, a website has been opened to provide comprehensive information on the latest domestic and international construction cases and the status of equipment and terminal supply, and on-site pre-consulting has been provided for frequency application procedures and technical support.

The Ministry of Science and ICT presented references through 15 demonstration projects so that 5G can be utilized in various fields. Last December, domestic research team ETRI also achieved the result of completing technology development that improved the speed of 5G small cells to 3 Gbps.

Major examples of 5G services include: △Manufacturing: Increased productivity through stable and fast data processing compared to Wi-Fi, and major accident prevention services through real-time control △Logistics: Increased work efficiency through fast and safe data processing of personal digital assistants (PDAs) △Autonomous robots: Service in which AI autonomous robots deliver lunch boxes, drinks, mail, parcels, etc. to individuals in the office △Medical: Precision surgery services through 3D augmented reality (3D AR) and real-time non-face-to-face collaboration based on the test results of patients' computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at hospitals △Defense: Multilateral collaborative combat based on realistic virtual reality (VR) using 28GHz, military training services such as mortar/anti-aircraft gun operation and combat, etc.

In the future, as digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual models (digital twins), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and extended virtual worlds (metaverse) are linked with 5G to provide customized convergence services to demand companies, digital technology supply companies are also expected to grow in the market along with 5G.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to cooperate with 5G operators this year to actively utilize advanced 5G convergence services in large-scale logistics sites and energy and other fields. In addition, we will cooperate with relevant ministries and local governments to apply 5G to realistic content such as specialized training using extended reality (XR) and safety fields such as prevention of major accidents in intelligent factories.

Hong Jin-bae, director of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Network Policy Office, said, “Eum 5G is being successfully implemented by supporting the customized needs of users who want to implement various services in various industries,” and added, “We will continue to create successful cases that contribute to improving national convenience and revitalizing industries through various Eum 5G services with large-capacity hyper-connectivity.”