Real 5G War... KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo Announces "Standalone 5G Commercialization in July"

After Meeting Minister Im Hye-sook on the 28th
She Revealed in a Meeting with Reporters

Criticizes CJ ENM for "Excessive Rate Increase"
KT Season Spin-off Also Underway

KT President Koo Hyun-mo is attending the meeting of CEOs from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the three mobile carriers (SKT, KT, LGU+) on the 28th at the Government Seoul Office in Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, listening attentively to the opening remarks by Minister Lim Hye-sook of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As the three major mobile carriers compete to commercialize the 5G Standalone Mode (SA), known as 'real 5G,' KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo officially announced plans to launch it in July. This is the first time a specific timeline has been given.

After meeting with Minister Lim Hye-sook of the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 28th, KT CEO Koo told reporters, "We will start (5G SA commercialization) from July," adding, "We are preparing well."

Amid difficulties in negotiating appropriate content usage fees between CJ ENM and the three carriers, Koo also took a jab at CJ ENM. CJ ENM demanded an increase in fees from the three carriers, stating they would revise the fee calculation standards considering the growth potential of the online video service (OTT) market.

Earlier, negotiations with LG Uplus broke down, resulting in the suspension of content supply for 10 channels including tvN, tvN Story, O tvN, Olive, Mnet, and Tooniverse on U+ Mobile TV.

It is reported that CJ ENM demanded KT fees about ten times higher than before. CJ ENM argued that the previous rates were too low due to a base effect, but the three carriers are strongly resisting. CEO Koo criticized, "From a common-sense perspective, the rate increase CJ ENM is demanding for content usage fees is excessive."

Meanwhile, KT is also proceeding with plans to spin off KT Season, the operator of its own OTT service 'Season.' CEO Koo explained, "The Season spin-off is underway and should have been completed by now. Although the court decision is delayed, it will be finalized soon."

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