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"A thirsty deer finds its way to a well": 5G 28GHz specialized network construction entities are expanding.
Published2021.02.01 17:45Verizon Proves 28GHz 5G Network Feasibility
The Ministry of Science and ICT is recruiting operators for 5G specialized network regions.
Specialized network bands, 28㎓ first, 6㎓ and below later
5G frequency bands are broadly divided into two categories: the 6 GHz and below band and the 28 GHz band. Higher frequencies allow for greater data transmission, but their linearity is enhanced and diffraction is reduced, making them more susceptible to obstacles.
Verizon in the United States is the only mobile carrier globally focusing on 28GHz band 5G service. According to a June 2020 survey by the British market research firm Opensignal, Verizon boasted an overwhelming lead in the US with 5G download speeds of 494.7Mbps, beating out second-place AT&T (60.8Mbps).
This was nothing more than a shiny new apple. Verizon's 5G availability, or connection time, was a mere 0.4%. Even at its fastest, it wasn't enough time to use it. Last July, the National Advertising Standards Board (NAD) advised Verizon not to market 5G download speeds in the 28GHz band. Ultimately, Verizon decided to focus on sub-6GHz bands.
According to OpenSignal's January 2021 survey, Verizon's 5G download speeds plummeted to 47.4 Mbps, ranking it third in the US. However, availability rose significantly to 9.5%, still ranking it third in the US. Verizon's strategic shift underscores the limitations of the 28 GHz band for 5G public networks (B2C).
On the other hand, Verizon has also proven that the 28GHz band is useful in certain spaces. Verizon installed 13 5G base stations at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, demonstrating 5G download speeds of up to 1.95 Gbps and an average of 1.66 Gbps to its 66,000-seat stadium. This brings the total number of 5G networks to approximately 40 large stadiums in North America.
The ultra-fast 5G network, initially touted by the three major mobile carriers as 20 times faster than LTE, is only available on specialized 5G networks operating in the 28 GHz band. These specialized 5G networks are limited to specific areas, such as buildings or factories, and are customized for the services being introduced in those areas.
This was confirmed by Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young in October 2020. During a parliamentary audit, Minister Choi stated, "There are many technical challenges in establishing a nationwide 28 GHz network," and "It is appropriate to utilize the 28 GHz band primarily for B2B purposes."
◇ Recruiting 5G players outside of the three major mobile carriers
Growth in the domestic 5G B2B market remains sluggish, prompting the Ministry of Science and ICT to take action.
On the 26th, the Ministry of Science and ICT finalized the '5G Specialized Network Policy Plan' at the 5G+ Strategy Committee. This policy measure is designed to enable 5G, a core infrastructure of the Digital New Deal, to converge with other industries, thereby spurring digital innovation across all industries.
In overseas countries such as Germany, the UK, and Japan, mobile communication frequencies are separately allocated to third parties such as demand companies, software (SW) and system integration (SI) companies, equipment companies, and small and medium-sized telecommunication companies at the request of demand companies, allowing the operation of 5G specialized networks.
In Korea, only the three major mobile carriers are authorized to operate 5G-specific networks. The 5G+ Strategy Committee proposed this policy, citing the risk that leaving the construction and operation of 5G-specific networks solely to the three major carriers would lead to: 1) investment shrinkage and delays due to a lack of competition; and 2) a significant failure to dominate the global 5G B2B market.
In reality, the three major mobile carriers' specialized 5G networks remain at the demonstration and pilot stage due to uncertain market demand and delays in indoor equipment development. Currently, the three carriers are focusing their investments on 5G public networks in the 3.5 GHz band.
The 5G+ Strategy Committee conducted a demand survey for 5G-specific networks targeting approximately 20 companies, including electronics and internet companies. The results revealed a growing demand for 5G-specific networks, particularly among software-based operators and internet companies.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has decided to expand the scope of 5G network construction to include "regional 5G operators," including demand companies and third parties other than mobile carriers, in order to promote market competition and alleviate regulatory uncertainty and thereby activate 5G specialized networks. Local 5G operators refer to demand companies and third parties that build separate 5G specialized networks without using mobile carriers' 5G networks.
◇ Aiming to revitalize the 5G specialized network market by introducing a competitive system.
The Ministry of Science and ICT is pursuing three policy measures to build a competitive 5G specialized network.
First, we will introduce a competitive system in the 5G specialized network market by expanding the scope of 5G specialized network construction and operation to include not only mobile carriers but also demand-side businesses and third-party regional 5G operators. Regional 5G operators will be categorized into builders and service providers, and based on type, we will promote the introduction of two systems: 1) reporting by private network installers and 2) registration by base carriers.
Second, wideband frequencies (28 GHz band, 600 MHz width) are supplied for 5G specialized networks. The 5G specialized network frequency will be supplied first in the 28.9-29.5 GHz band (600 MHz width) adjacent to the 28 GHz band frequency of existing mobile carriers, and for the band below 6 GHz, additional B2B frequency will be secured through regional joint use, etc.
Frequency supply methods vary depending on the type of regional 5G operator. For private network installers, frequency designation is required, while for those registering as a fixed-rate telecommunications operator, frequency allocation procedures are used. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to develop detailed plans for regional frequency supply by March, including allocation target areas, allocation methods, fee calculations, and interference resolution measures.
Third, we will support initial market demand creation through demonstrations and pilots. The Ministry of Science and ICT will promote demonstrations and pilot projects that provide a catalyst for early market formation. We will explore and apply service models utilizing 5G specialized networks in public sectors such as ports and national defense, while also reviewing and promoting demonstrations of 5G specialized network equipment.
In addition, the plan is to accelerate B2B terminal development projects (KRW 133.8 billion) through cooperation between domestic large and small businesses, establish a virtuous cycle ecosystem for terminal manufacturing, and support R&D expansion and reference acquisition to strengthen the competitiveness of core equipment and components.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that this 5G specialized network policy will create an enabling environment for diverse operators to participate in the 5G market, thereby continuously strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic 5G B2B industry. The 5G specialized network frequency supply is scheduled to be implemented in the first half of 2021.
The Ministry of Science and ICT is recruiting operators for 5G specialized network regions.
Specialized network bands, 28㎓ first, 6㎓ and below later
5G frequency bands are broadly divided into two categories: the 6 GHz and below band and the 28 GHz band. Higher frequencies allow for greater data transmission, but their linearity is enhanced and diffraction is reduced, making them more susceptible to obstacles.
Verizon in the United States is the only mobile carrier globally focusing on 28GHz band 5G service. According to a June 2020 survey by the British market research firm Opensignal, Verizon boasted an overwhelming lead in the US with 5G download speeds of 494.7Mbps, beating out second-place AT&T (60.8Mbps).
This was nothing more than a shiny new apple. Verizon's 5G availability, or connection time, was a mere 0.4%. Even at its fastest, it wasn't enough time to use it. Last July, the National Advertising Standards Board (NAD) advised Verizon not to market 5G download speeds in the 28GHz band. Ultimately, Verizon decided to focus on sub-6GHz bands.
According to OpenSignal's January 2021 survey, Verizon's 5G download speeds plummeted to 47.4 Mbps, ranking it third in the US. However, availability rose significantly to 9.5%, still ranking it third in the US. Verizon's strategic shift underscores the limitations of the 28 GHz band for 5G public networks (B2C).
On the other hand, Verizon has also proven that the 28GHz band is useful in certain spaces. Verizon installed 13 5G base stations at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, demonstrating 5G download speeds of up to 1.95 Gbps and an average of 1.66 Gbps to its 66,000-seat stadium. This brings the total number of 5G networks to approximately 40 large stadiums in North America.
▲ 5G Specialized Network Utilization Cases [Table = Ministry of Science and ICT]
The ultra-fast 5G network, initially touted by the three major mobile carriers as 20 times faster than LTE, is only available on specialized 5G networks operating in the 28 GHz band. These specialized 5G networks are limited to specific areas, such as buildings or factories, and are customized for the services being introduced in those areas.
This was confirmed by Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young in October 2020. During a parliamentary audit, Minister Choi stated, "There are many technical challenges in establishing a nationwide 28 GHz network," and "It is appropriate to utilize the 28 GHz band primarily for B2B purposes."
◇ Recruiting 5G players outside of the three major mobile carriers
Growth in the domestic 5G B2B market remains sluggish, prompting the Ministry of Science and ICT to take action.
On the 26th, the Ministry of Science and ICT finalized the '5G Specialized Network Policy Plan' at the 5G+ Strategy Committee. This policy measure is designed to enable 5G, a core infrastructure of the Digital New Deal, to converge with other industries, thereby spurring digital innovation across all industries.
In overseas countries such as Germany, the UK, and Japan, mobile communication frequencies are separately allocated to third parties such as demand companies, software (SW) and system integration (SI) companies, equipment companies, and small and medium-sized telecommunication companies at the request of demand companies, allowing the operation of 5G specialized networks.
In Korea, only the three major mobile carriers are authorized to operate 5G-specific networks. The 5G+ Strategy Committee proposed this policy, citing the risk that leaving the construction and operation of 5G-specific networks solely to the three major carriers would lead to: 1) investment shrinkage and delays due to a lack of competition; and 2) a significant failure to dominate the global 5G B2B market.
▲ Unlike the 5G public network, the specialized network is operated by the participation of demand companies.
Optimization for specific applications is expected [Image = e4ds News]
Optimization for specific applications is expected [Image = e4ds News]
In reality, the three major mobile carriers' specialized 5G networks remain at the demonstration and pilot stage due to uncertain market demand and delays in indoor equipment development. Currently, the three carriers are focusing their investments on 5G public networks in the 3.5 GHz band.
The 5G+ Strategy Committee conducted a demand survey for 5G-specific networks targeting approximately 20 companies, including electronics and internet companies. The results revealed a growing demand for 5G-specific networks, particularly among software-based operators and internet companies.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has decided to expand the scope of 5G network construction to include "regional 5G operators," including demand companies and third parties other than mobile carriers, in order to promote market competition and alleviate regulatory uncertainty and thereby activate 5G specialized networks. Local 5G operators refer to demand companies and third parties that build separate 5G specialized networks without using mobile carriers' 5G networks.
◇ Aiming to revitalize the 5G specialized network market by introducing a competitive system.
The Ministry of Science and ICT is pursuing three policy measures to build a competitive 5G specialized network.
First, we will introduce a competitive system in the 5G specialized network market by expanding the scope of 5G specialized network construction and operation to include not only mobile carriers but also demand-side businesses and third-party regional 5G operators. Regional 5G operators will be categorized into builders and service providers, and based on type, we will promote the introduction of two systems: 1) reporting by private network installers and 2) registration by base carriers.
▲ 5G specialized network introduction method by type [Table = Ministry of Science and ICT]
▲ 5G specialized network supply frequency bands [Table = Ministry of Science and ICT]
Second, wideband frequencies (28 GHz band, 600 MHz width) are supplied for 5G specialized networks. The 5G specialized network frequency will be supplied first in the 28.9-29.5 GHz band (600 MHz width) adjacent to the 28 GHz band frequency of existing mobile carriers, and for the band below 6 GHz, additional B2B frequency will be secured through regional joint use, etc.
Frequency supply methods vary depending on the type of regional 5G operator. For private network installers, frequency designation is required, while for those registering as a fixed-rate telecommunications operator, frequency allocation procedures are used. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to develop detailed plans for regional frequency supply by March, including allocation target areas, allocation methods, fee calculations, and interference resolution measures.
Third, we will support initial market demand creation through demonstrations and pilots. The Ministry of Science and ICT will promote demonstrations and pilot projects that provide a catalyst for early market formation. We will explore and apply service models utilizing 5G specialized networks in public sectors such as ports and national defense, while also reviewing and promoting demonstrations of 5G specialized network equipment.
In addition, the plan is to accelerate B2B terminal development projects (KRW 133.8 billion) through cooperation between domestic large and small businesses, establish a virtuous cycle ecosystem for terminal manufacturing, and support R&D expansion and reference acquisition to strengthen the competitiveness of core equipment and components.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that this 5G specialized network policy will create an enabling environment for diverse operators to participate in the 5G market, thereby continuously strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic 5G B2B industry. The 5G specialized network frequency supply is scheduled to be implemented in the first half of 2021.
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