KT Corp. and Samsung Electronics officially launched the first-ever commercial 5G Standalone (SA) network service in South Korea. Thanks to this new achievement, the two companies continue to deliver next-generation services and consumer experiences throughout the nation.
Delivering Next-Generation Services
Previously this April, KT and Samsung strategically formed a partnership to launch the world’s first 3GPP-based public safety LTE network. The newly established real-time network with nationwide coverage delivers cellular communication between emergency first responders and various institutions.
Some of the two companies’ integrated public safety network members include firefighters, the military, paramedics, power providers, and the police. Since this collaboration, KT and Samsung have been conducting 5G SA tests and trials around urban areas and KT’s offices.
The new 5G SA service launch also coincides with KT’s 5G Roadmap. After Korea commercialized 5G networks in 2019, KT sought to improve its socio-economic value and upgrade user experience through 5G.
Maximizing on 5G Potential
In addition to delivering enhanced customer experiences, the 5G SA network implementation would generate more job opportunities. In particular, it would allow service operators to minimize average service times, boost next-gen use cases, and open new consumer and business opportunities.
“Our 5G SA service will be an important step in unlocking the full potential of 5G, and it will bring new value to our customers,” said Seo Young-Soo, Senior VP and Director of KT’s Network Research Technology Unit.
Moreover, the KT official stated that as a digital platform innovator, KT would actively make efforts to accelerate South Korea’s Digital New Deal. KT would also ensure that customers receive the best possible experiences and opportunities the 5G technology puts forward.
Using End-to-End Network Solutions
In the initial 5G SA service launch, Samsung offered KT its end-to-end 5G solutions. Some of the solutions include the vCore and Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies. As a result, KT administered a seamless 5G SA transition using Samsung’s solutions which simultaneously support 5G SA and Non-Standalone.
Kim Seung-Il, VP of Samsung Electronics Networks Business, stated that the KT collaboration solidifies Korea’s leading global network innovation position. The company official also noted that Samsung’s state-of-the-art 5G SA architectures enable KT to deliver next-gen mobile experiences.
Additionally, the South Korean 5G SA service introduction marks a milestone in the domestic 5G operations. The two companies also plan to provide more transformative technologies through partnerships in the future.
