[Editor's Note] The Ministry of Science and ICT is focusing on finding a fourth mobile carrier based on the 28GHz band. New operators will be provided with 800MHz of dedicated 28GHz frequency and 20MHz of anchor frequency in the 700MHz band, excluding the three major mobile carriers. The government has adjusted the spectrum fee to 74.2 billion won and the network construction obligation to 6,000 units, citing a plan to ease the initial market entry burden for fourth mobile carriers. However, while industry experts agree that the 28GHz frequency is a resource for securing a lead in the next-generation communications market, they also unanimously agree that monetization is difficult. Furthermore, the government plans to review the previously discussed supply of mid- and low-band frequencies after the 28GHz project is completed.

Meanwhile, Mirae Mobile, which had previously announced its intention to become the fourth mobile carrier, has stated that it continues to plan to launch a fourth service. Mirae Mobile has announced its intention to request access to the 2.3GHz frequency band to gain a competitive edge over the three major mobile carriers. In a written interview with Lee Gyeong-su, Senior Advisor to Mirae Mobile (former Head of KT Network Strategy Headquarters), this magazine heard about his intention to launch a fourth mobile carrier. ■ Please introduce Mirae Mobile Company.

Mirae Mobile is the lead manager of the 4th mobile communications consortium established in 2012.

Based on the experience and expertise accumulated over the past 10 years in applying for the 4th mobile communication business license, we are responsible for the overall work of frequency allocation applications, business plan preparation, and SPC establishment for the 4th mobile communication business.

■ The reason Mirae Mobile took on the challenge despite the difficulties in commercializing the 28GHz frequency band is

It is true that the 28GHz frequency band requires a lot of cost to build a network, to the point that even the three major mobile carriers have given it up.

However, Mirae Mobile judged that it was one of the important frequency resources in its business plan.

Accordingly, we plan to provide fast communication services in densely populated areas such as concert halls and sports stadiums, implement spatial experience services such as AR and XR, and actively invest in the future 6G era.

■ If Mirae Mobile has a strategy to become competitive as a fourth mobile carrier

Mirae Mobile will launch a nationwide 5G network using the highly efficient 2.3GHz band.We have plans to build.

Initially, it will be difficult to generate revenue solely from the 28 GHz frequency. The 2.3 GHz frequency, previously used for WiBro but now an idle resource, has a longer frequency range than the three major mobile carriers' frequency bands, requiring less investment and facilitating a return on investment.

Therefore, by allocating this together and generating revenue by providing competitive nationwide 5G services, we will be able to continue investing in 28GHz.

Furthermore, by applying OpenLAN technology to the 28GHz band, network construction costs (CAPEX and OPEX) can be reduced, and subscriber acquisition costs can be minimized through online distribution. This will allow the company to secure competitive pricing with rates roughly half those of the three major mobile carriers.

Finally, Mirae Mobile is pursuing service innovations, including the launch of a terminal that combines satellite communications and mobile communications, in collaboration with participating shareholder companies. In particular, it is in ongoing discussions with SpaceX regarding strategic investments to address 6G, including the convergence of satellite and mobile communications.

■ In the 5G 28GHz allocation notice announced on the 20th, it appears that the allocation of mid-to-low bands will be delayed. Are there any changes to Mirae Mobile's 4th mobile carrier application plan?

Mirae Mobile plans to formally request the Ministry of Science and ICT to expedite the announcement of additional allocations for 2.3GHz, which can secure nationwide network coverage.

28GHz is an important frequency for developing 5G-specific services, but realistically, it is considered an impossible band to secure universal mobile communications coverage.

There are no other changes to the business plan or application plan.

■ Future plans for Mirae Mobile

Mirae Mobile is planning to launch a competitive fourth mobile carrier that will fulfill its role as a catalyst for promoting competition in the mobile communications market and reducing household telecommunications costs.

Meanwhile, the plan to launch as a budget phone operator is not being considered.

From the outset of the business, the company plans to address the insufficient network coverage through roaming with the three existing mobile carriers.

Mirae Mobile will challenge the fourth mobile carrier with a clear business plan.

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