Korea, world-class competitiveness in all 5G fields
Dissatisfaction remains strong enough to trigger a 5G class action lawsuit
'Promoting tax deductions, etc. to achieve nationwide 5G network by 2022


April 3, 2021 marked the second anniversary of the world's first 5G commercialization.

In October last year, OMDIA evaluated that Korea was ahead in all aspects, including frequency, services, and subscribers, among the 22 major countries around the world in the early 5G market.

Then in December, Opensignal announced that Korea ranked first among 15 major countries around the world in 5G download speeds, recording 351.2 Mbps. This figure surpasses Saudi Arabia, which ranks second, at 272.8 Mbps.

At the same time, RootMetrics also announced that when comparing the best carriers in Seoul, Zurich, London, and New York, Seoul (based on LG U+) ranked first with a median 5G download speed of 476.5 Mbps.

It is recognized that our country's 5G competitiveness is the best in the world. The problem is that, although it is relatively, it is absolutely not meeting the market's expectations.

The number of domestic 5G subscribers exceeded 10 million in just one and a half years since commercialization, and was recorded at 13,662,048 as of February. However, with the exception of major urban areas, indoor and outdoor coverage is limited, and user dissatisfaction with 5G is so great that class action lawsuits are being launched in earnest.

In addition, the use of 5G for purposes other than mobile network operators (MNOs) is limited, and the construction of a 28GHz network, which is more suitable for industrial use than a 3.5GHz network, is also sluggish. The 5G components and equipment industrial base is also weak, so the global expansion of domestic companies is also limited, except for Samsung Electronics.

The Three Kingdoms of Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung Electronics, Aiming for Huawei's Position, Begins in Full Swing

Accordingly, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) held a general meeting of the policy consultative body in seven areas (△Ecosystem △Coverage △Smart Factory △Content △Healthcare △Autonomous Driving △Smart City) at the DK Hotel Seoul on the 2nd to reorganize the '5G+ Strategy'.

In his words of encouragement, Vice Minister of Science and ICT Cho Kyung-sik said, “Now is the time to work even harder,” and emphasized, “It is important to smoothly implement the five 5G+ strategy promotion tasks established in January: △ early construction of a nationwide 5G network, △ revitalization of 5G convergence services, △ strengthening the virtuous cycle structure of the parts and equipment industry, △ leading the global ecosystem, and △ strengthening the foundation for sustainable growth.”

The meeting announced that it aims to build a nationwide 5G network by 2022, and that this year, it will build 5G in the daily lives of citizens, including major administrative districts of 85 cities, transportation networks, and multi-use facilities. In addition, it plans to prepare a plan for joint use of 5G networks among telecommunications companies by April so that rural and fishing areas can also use 5G early. It also supports the launch of inexpensive 5G rate plans in the 10,000 to 20,000 won range.

This year, the following will be prioritized: △Increased 5G investment tax deduction rate (2→3%), △Reduction of registration and license tax (50%), △Promotion of 5G+ innovation project based on 5 major core services (KRW 165.5 billion), △Support for development of 5G modules between large and small businesses (KRW 2.5 billion), △Advancement of domestic 5G equipment (KRW 52.5 billion), △Establishment of digital open lab to support development of 5G convergence devices ('21~'25, KRW 48 billion), △Initiation of investment in 5G specialized fund (KRW 104.4 billion), △Development of 5G base station energy efficiency technology ('21~'25, KRW 9.5 billion).

Meanwhile, the seven major policy councils are jointly operated by 5G specialized industry, academia, and research institutes, and supported by IITP, a 5G+ specialized organization. The policy councils are responsible for going beyond verification of 5G convergence services to specifying services and actual expansion.