"Also, No Entry Inside Buildings" Will 5G Network Investment Be Hampered by COVID-19 Resurgence?

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] A newly built apartment complex located in Seocho-gu, Seoul initially planned to install 5G repeaters on each floor, but the plan was halted due to opposition from residents. This was because residents, concerned about the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), were extremely reluctant to allow outsiders to enter. The situation is similar in large buildings nearby. As signs of a rapid spread of another large-scale group infection emerged, some building owners began to block the entry of external personnel altogether.

The resurgence of COVID-19 seems to be hindering telecom companies' 5G network construction as well. To shed the label of "unreliable 5G," in-building infrastructure installation, which involves placing repeaters inside major buildings, is urgently needed. However, if social distancing is raised to level 3, effectively halting daily life, setbacks are inevitable.

According to industry sources on the 25th, the three major telecom companies?SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus?have decided to accelerate the construction of in-building 5G infrastructure this year, aiming for 2,000 to 2,500 locations, more than four times last year's number. Due to the highly directional nature of the frequency, installing indoor repeaters and rooftop base stations is essential for comfortable 5G use inside buildings.

However, with the recent rapid resurgence of COVID-19, red lights have turned on for 5G in-building construction. Installing 5G repeaters inside buildings requires consultation with building owners and relevant authorities. In the case of apartments, residents' consent must also be obtained. Earlier this year, due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of building owners and residents reluctant to allow outsiders increased sharply, causing delays in in-building construction work. There are growing concerns that if social distancing is raised to level 3, even ongoing construction projects will effectively come to a halt.

An industry insider said, "There are no major setbacks at present," but added, "If level 3 is raised, problems are inevitable." Another insider also expressed concern, saying, "Network investment is urgently needed to improve 5G quality," and "Overall, construction schedules are being delayed due to COVID-19." It is known that the 5G in-building construction rate accounts for less than 1% of all buildings nationwide.

Moreover, the Enforcement Decree of the Apartment Housing Management Act, which requires the consent of local government heads and at least two-thirds of residents to install 5G repeaters in apartment complexes and other multi-family housing, is also an obstacle to 5G network construction. The Ministry of Science and ICT has belatedly recognized this issue and is currently consulting with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the department responsible for the legislation, but a solution has yet to be found.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official stated, "If the installation of repeaters in apartment complexes and other multi-family housing is blocked, it could seriously impact not only public convenience and safety but also 5G network investment, which is a core part of the 'Digital New Deal,'" adding, "We will continue consultations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.