Three Companies Challenge for '4th Mobile Communication'... Application for 5G 28GHz Frequency

StageFive, Sejong Telecom, and Mirae Mobile Apply

Two MVNOs and a total of three companies have thrown down the gauntlet to become the 4th mobile carrier.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 19th that, after closing applications for the allocation of 5G 28GHz new operator frequencies, three corporations?Sejong Telecom, StageX, and MyMobile Consortium?have applied for nationwide frequency allocation.

StageFive, which separated from Kakao, submitted its application by establishing a new corporation called 'StageX' through a consortium with several companies. StageX set three major goals: revitalizing competition in the domestic telecommunications market, reducing household communication expenses, and building an innovative ecosystem based on 5G 28GHz. The company expressed its ambition to establish itself as a national leader in 5G technology.

To reduce communication costs, the company is preparing to expand its own lineup of mid- to low-priced devices and has also formed a strategic partnership with a mobile device manufacturing affiliate within Foxconn. Over the next three years, StageX plans to build more than 6,000 wireless base stations across 90 hotspots, offering 'Real 5G Innovation Services' targeting both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) sectors. Considering the frequency characteristics of the 28GHz band, the service will be initially deployed in leading companies or organizations by type?such as universities, hospitals, stadiums, concert halls, and airports?and will be expanded after sufficient verification.

Sejong Telecom was the first to submit its application on the morning of the day. The company is known to be focusing on B2B business. Sejong Telecom stated, "We submitted the frequency allocation application in response to government policies and as part of our strategy to secure future growth engines for the company," adding, "We see this as a new opportunity."

Future Mobile, which had previously expressed its intention to apply early, formed a consortium named 'MyMobile' and submitted its challenge. Although the Ministry of Science and ICT initially rejected the application due to incomplete surety insurance documents, the consortium was able to obtain a new bid surety insurance under its name and formally submit the application documents.

With the frequency allocation application period closed, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to review the applicants for any disqualifications under the Radio Waves Act and the Telecommunications Business Act, notify the corporations of their eligibility, and then commence the frequency auction. Choi Woo-hyuk, Director of the Radio Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "All the applicants lack experience in frequency auctions, so we will provide ample time for explanations to ensure smooth participation in the auction," adding, "We will strive to manage a fair auction so that healthy competition can take place."