Three Major Telecom Companies Launch First Commercial Use of 5G Shared Network in Rural Eup and Myeon Areas

Early Opening in Completed Construction Areas Among Phase 1 Target Regions

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] The three major telecommunications companies have commercially launched the first phase of 5G shared usage (roaming) networks in 149 eup and myeon areas located in 22 cities and counties.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the first phase of 5G shared usage (roaming) commercialization has begun in some rural fishing villages. The first phase of commercialization was carried out in 149 eup and myeon areas across 22 cities and counties, selected by comprehensively considering network construction status and communication quality by the three telecom companies.

The three telecom companies are gradually building shared usage networks targeting eup and myeon areas located in 131 cities and counties, according to the rural 5G shared usage plan announced in April last year.

Originally, commercialization was planned to proceed in three phases from the end of this year’s first phase through the first half of 2024. However, at a meeting on the 11th between Minister Jongho Lee of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the CEOs of the three telecom companies, it was agreed to open early within this month in areas where construction was completed among the first phase target regions.

Accordingly, the three telecom companies and the Ministry of Science and ICT subdivided the first phase commercialization into the first phase (July) and second phase (fourth quarter), and after trial operation and inspection in areas where network construction was completed as of June, they began the first phase of the first commercialization.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to continuously monitor and support the construction and commercialization of rural 5G shared usage networks to ensure smooth progress.