KT Starts 5G Standalone Mode Pilot Service on Commercial Network

Reducing Latency and Battery Consumption

KT announced on the 27th that it has started a pilot service for 5G Standalone (SA) mode on its commercial network. The photo shows KT employees checking the perceived quality using the 5G Standalone (SA) network, which was pilot-installed at the KT Gwanghwamun building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] KT announced on the 27th that it has started a 5G Standalone (SA) mode pilot service on its commercial network.

Currently, the 5G services of the three domestic mobile carriers operate in the 3.5GHz frequency band using the Non-Standalone (NSA) mode. The SA mode processes both frequency signals and data transmission entirely through the 5G network, which is expected to reduce latency and battery consumption compared to the NSA mode.

To provide 5G SA service, KT has been preparing a test environment on its commercial network since last year and has conducted network function tests and customer (B2C) service quality verification. In particular, the focus was on providing stable service in mobile environments to improve the 5G quality experienced by customers. For customers to actually use the 5G SA service, stable voice calls and data communication functions are essential.

Since 5G SA uses the 5G network for both data and signaling, it does not require interworking with the LTE network, thereby reducing battery usage and latency. Communication reliability and security are also enhanced, and it can support the essential 5G features such as large-scale device connections. The 5G SA network is expected to lead the implementation of autonomous driving, smart factories, and next-generation video services.

In this pilot service, KT applies its self-developed patented technology to an advanced packet system fallback technology to test stable communication quality. KT’s patented technology provides seamless voice service based on smooth signal processing between 5G and LTE.

KT’s 5G SA pilot service will be conducted with direct participation from employees at major KT office buildings and urban areas. This is the final quality check before the official 5G SA service launch. If the pilot service is successfully completed, KT plans to offer 5G SA service to its 5G subscribers. KT expects the SA service to contribute to an improved perceived quality for 5G customers.

Lee Cheol-gyu, Vice President and Head of KT’s Network Division, said, “We have prepared the 5G SA service with customer quality as the top priority and expect to start customer service soon,” adding, “KT plans to evolve the 5G SA network into a true 5G platform that can be integrated with other industries, starting with customer service.”

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