Yoo Young-sang, SKT CEO, "Achieving the 5G 28GHz Deployment Goal Will Not Be Easy"

"Demand for Additional 3.7 GHz Allocation Remains Strong"

Yu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, said it would be difficult to build 15,000 base stations for the 28 GHz band by May.

After the regular shareholders' meeting on the 28th, Yu told reporters, "We are making some progress in building (28 GHz base stations), but it seems unlikely that we will meet the target." When asked whether they would continue to use the 28 GHz frequency, he replied, "We are in consultation with the government," adding, "I will inform you once the consultation is complete."

Yu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, is answering reporters' questions after the regular shareholders' meeting on the 28th.
[Photo by Oh Su-yeon]

The Ministry of Science and ICT allocated a target of 15,000 base stations each to the three telecom companies when assigning the 5G 28 GHz frequency in 2018. However, due to insufficient achievement of the deployment targets, KT and LG Uplus had their allocations canceled in December last year, while SK Telecom received a shortened usage period and was obligated to complete the deployment of 15,000 28 GHz base stations by May this year. At that time, SK Telecom had only built 1,605 base stations over three years and stated that it was practically impossible to build 15,000 base stations within five months.

Regarding the additional allocation of the 3.7 GHz adjacent band 5G frequency requested from the government last year, he said, "(The demand) still exists," and added, "If the government allocates it, we plan to make large-scale investments."

Recently, the Fair Trade Commission has been investigating whether the three telecom companies made false or exaggerated advertisements by claiming that 5G was 20 times faster than LTE when it was introduced in 2018. In response, CEO Yu said, "As I mentioned during the National Assembly audit, it was a theoretical statement, and I regret the misunderstanding that it was an exaggerated advertisement," adding, "At that time, it was theoretically said that 5G is 20 times faster and 6G is 50 times faster, but some parts were cited in marketing. Although we corrected it quickly, I regret that it was still considered exaggerated advertising."

Yu’s term as CEO has about one year remaining. When asked about the tasks during the remaining term, he said, "Regardless of the term, I believe the AI company strategy will remain valid," and added, "If we laid the foundation last year, I think we can create momentum this year, and harvesting the fruits will probably be after next year."

Regarding the possibility and impact of the fourth telecom operator entering the market, he dismissed the question, saying, "Since it is a matter for the government, it is not appropriate for me to answer."