“SK Telecom faces cancellation of 5G 28GHz allocation by Ministry of Science and ICT”

Ministry of Science and ICT, prior notice to SKT

[정보통신신문=최아름기자]

Following KT and LG U+, SK Telecom will also step on the train to cancel the 5G 28GHz allocation. Accordingly, 5G 28GHz nationwide network operators are expected to become ‘vacant’ from June.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it had conducted a performance check at the end of the 5G 28GHz frequency for SKT and notified in advance of the disposition of cancellation of allocation.

On December 23 of last year, the Ministry of Science and ICT shortened the 28GHz spectrum usage period by 10% (5 years → 4 years and 6 months) for SKT that failed to fulfill the conditions imposed upon 5G frequency allocation in 2018, and the period of use expired on 31 If the initial allocation condition of 15,000 devices is not established by the 10th, the allocation will be canceled.

As the end of SKT’s 28GHz frequency usage period approached, the Ministry of Science and ICT received and reviewed SKT’s performance and future plans in early May. As a result of the inspection, as of the 4th, the number of SKT’s network establishments in the 28GHz band was 1650 devices, and as it was confirmed that there were no plans to build additional networks until the 31st, the disposition of allocation cancellation due to non-fulfillment of the frequency allocation conditions was notified in advance.

In the future, according to the Administrative Procedures Act, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to hold a hearing to listen to the operator’s opinion on this preliminary disposition against SKT, reflect the results, and implement a final disposition at the end of May.

Choi Woo-hyeok, director of radio wave policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “It is regrettable that this result has finally come out despite the government’s active efforts,” and added, “We will continue to make efforts to induce new operators to enter the 28GHz band in the future. We will make efforts so that the public can enjoy a higher level of 5G service by vitalizing competition in the telecommunications market.”

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