For 5G Commercialization
The 1300 megahertz (㎒)) frequency bandwidth only for the fifth-generation (5G) network will be set up by the end of next year. This is attracting attention as the South Korean government is suggesting the direction of 5G frequency policies with its aim to realize the 5G network for the first time in the world.
The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) announced that “K-ICT Spectrum Plan,” which includes medium and long-term management measures for the nation’s frequencies, was confirmed at the economic ministerial meeting on January 18.
Accordingly, the government plans to secure a total of 1300㎒ bandwidth for the new 5G-only frequencies, including a minimum 1000㎒ in the 28㎓ bandwidth and 300㎒ in the 3.5㎓ bandwidth, and establish detailed allocation plans.
The K-ICT Spectrum Plan also includes measures to secure a new frequency of 27,214㎒ range by 2026 in order to prepare the expansion of unmanned moving objects, such as autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI) robots as well as 5G networks.
“The ministry will form a team to work on areas that industries urgently need like technologies for NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT), wireless charging for compact cars and new Koreasat satellites, and carry out the K-ICT Spectrum Plan at a rapid pace,” said Choi Young-hae, a ministry official in charge of the radio policy.