South Korea’s telecommunications carriers turned on super-fast 5G mobile internet networks abruptly ahead of schedule in an attempt to ensure the country becomes the first in the world to launch the services.
The news came as Verizon in the U.S. prepared to launch 5G services in two US cities and plans to roll out its network across more than two dozen other metro areas in coming months.
Verizon also is offering two models of 5G-equipped phones.
AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile also are moving to launch 5G networks with AT&T offering a branded 5G Evolution service.
The South Korean carriers say 5G-enabled smartphones are capable of downloading data 20 times faster than existing 4G devices, which in theory would enable users to download movie files almost instantly. The faster networks would also improve live broadcasts and streaming services for music and video while allowing for a broader range of virtual reality services, the companies say.
The 5G networks of the three South Korean mobile operators went live at 11 p.m. Wednesday, hours before Verizon turned on its 5G network in some areas of Minneapolis and Chicago a week ahead of schedule. The carriers had initially planned to start their 5G services on Friday, but moved up to stay ahead of Verizon. The change came hours after a meeting between the carriers and government regulators, who modified service terms so that the companies could sign up users earlier.
Verizon sets 5G launch, unveils Motorola devices; AT&T ups streaming fees
The Verizon offer is available only on unlimited plans, which currently start at $75 for one person without 5G. It requires Motorola’s Moto Z3 phone with a special 5G attachment.
Motorola is owned by Lenovo, which operates international headquarters in Morrisville and Beijing.
However, the South Korean 5G services were initially available only to a few individuals selected as brand promoters, including figure skating superstar Yuna Kim, who SK Telecom announced as one of its “first customers.”
Regular customers in capital Seoul and some other major cities will be able to sign up for 5G services starting on Friday. The carriers plan to expand their coverage to 85 cities across the country by the end of the year.
Forecast: Major carriers to deploy 5G by 2022; AR, IoT, VR, Smart City deployments begin in ’19
“The government and private companies came together to achieve the world’s first commercialized 5G services and this proves once again our country is undoubtedly the top powerhouse in information and communications,” said You Young-min, South Korean minister for science and information technology.
The supposed milestone is widely seen as symbolic. Park Tae-wan, a ministry official, said a “world’s first” reference could possibly help the mobile industry market’s know-how.
AT&T launching 5G wireless in parts of Raleigh, Charlotte areas on Dec. 21
