[2022 National Audit] 5G Under Fire for Subway Screen Door Errors and Communication Quality Dissatisfaction

During the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit of the Ministry of Science and ICT held on the morning of the 4th, numerous questions were raised regarding 5G mobile communication policies. The photo shows Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT responding to questions from Kim Young-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Naver TV capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] During the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee’s audit of the Ministry of Science and ICT held on the morning of the 4th, numerous policy questions related to 5G mobile communications were raised.

Kim Young-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out, "Among the 38 stations managed by Korea Railroad Corporation, 30 stations, accounting for 78.9%, experienced screen door malfunctions caused by high-power repeaters," adding, "Since 2021, malfunctions caused by 5G repeater operations have even led to incidents where people were caught, and Korea Railroad Corporation concluded that passengers nearly died."

She continued, "The Ministry of Science and ICT should request the three major telecom companies to resolve this, but the government explained that 'the railroad corporation just needs to replace the sensor products,'" and noted, "In foreign countries, measures are taken so that mobile phone communication does not work in subway stations to prevent accidents altogether."

In response, Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT said, "Currently, the repeaters are turned off for the time being, and surrounding repeaters are covering the area," and added, "(Completely blocking communication in subway stations) is a good point, but I think it is a matter to discuss whether the public would prefer printed media such as books."

The issue of telecom companies’ responsibility for sensor replacement also surfaced. When Minister Lee Jong-ho said, "If the quality of sensor products is good, radio waves can be blocked, and we are continuously discussing quality issues with telecom companies," Kim Young-joo responded, "It costs 30 billion KRW, so why should the government be responsible for that? If it is a telecom company issue, the telecom companies should bear the cost. The railroad corporation and telecom companies are in ongoing conflict, so the government should take the lead in devising countermeasures," criticizing the situation.

The ruling party focused on 5G quality issues. Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out, "Looking at the regional differences in 5G, the average operation rate in the metropolitan area reaches 90%, but there are places with as low as 4%," expressing concerns that "it might have become a marketing tool for companies."

She added, "In 2019, during the previous administration, the 5G Plus(+) strategy was announced to revitalize the 5G industry, setting goals such as 180 trillion KRW in production by 2026 and creating 600,000 quality jobs, but when asked for a mid-term evaluation, they said it was difficult to even produce statistics," criticizing that the goals were set without measurable data.

Regarding this, Minister Lee Jong-ho explained, "At that time, 5G was not yet activated, so it was difficult to set accurate targets."

Yoon Doo-hyun, also from the People Power Party, said, "A satisfaction survey on 5G services was conducted anonymously among office workers via the Blind app from September 16 to 22, and there were many complaints," opening his remarks by stating, "The reasons for dissatisfaction included frequent disconnections, poor service in certain regions, and polarized pricing plans."

He continued, "During the previous Political Affairs Committee, we requested the Consumer Policy Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office to enhance consumer benefits for 5G, and I hope the Ministry of Science and ICT takes responsibility and ensures that the promises made to the public are properly implemented."

He also urged, "Although a mid-tier pricing plan was introduced, 47% of 5G users are dissatisfied because the data volume of the mid-tier plan is inadequate. The untact (non-face-to-face) plans have diversified choices, but overall, they are hardly used, offer few discounts, and lack proper promotion. Please sincerely find solutions and report back at the final audit."

Minister Lee Jong-ho responded, "We will work hard to resolve coverage issues."