The First Among the Three Major Telecoms... KT Commercializes 5G Standalone Mode

Sequential Application from Galaxy S20 Series
Data and Control Signals Both Processed on 5G Network
Battery Efficiency Up... Disaster Alerts Expected to Become More Refined

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] KT is the first among the three domestic mobile carriers to launch a 5G Standalone (SA) service. Unlike the existing Non-Standalone (NSA) mode, which operates alongside LTE, 5G SA processes both data and control signals entirely on the 5G network, earning it the nickname "real 5G."

On the 15th, KT applied 5G SA to three models of Samsung's Galaxy S20 series and plans to gradually expand the supported devices. Customers who wish to switch to SA can do so by navigating to 'Settings - Software Update - Download and Install' on their device menu and then rebooting once more.

Since 5G SA provides service using only 5G frequencies, it offers faster response speeds compared to NSA. In the future, it is expected to be useful for 5G B2B (business-to-business) services requiring core 5G technologies such as network slicing and ultra-low latency, including autonomous driving and smart factories.

The perceptible benefit for general customers is expected to be seen in battery life. According to a battery usage time comparison test between SA and NSA conducted through the Korea Information and Communications Technology Association (TTA) using Samsung's Galaxy S20 Plus device, SA lasted 13 hours and 38 minutes, while NSA lasted 12 hours and 32 minutes. This means SA can be used up to 1 hour and 6 minutes (8.8%) longer.

Thanks to the densely built 5G base stations compared to LTE, more precise disaster alert services will also become possible. Disaster alerts based on LTE base stations sometimes transmitted unnecessary information about nearby areas, causing inconvenience.

Some concerns about quality degradation due to the 5G SA deployment have been raised, but KT has dismissed them. KT stated, "Since we started 5G service using the NSA method in 2019, we have built the network with the evolution to SA in mind," and added, "We have continuously developed technology and conducted field verification to provide a commercial SA network."

Kim Young-in, Executive Director of KT's Network Strategy Headquarters, said, "We prepared the SA service to provide 5G that can offer new value to customers," and added, "As a digital platform company, KT is making multifaceted efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and promote the digital New Deal."

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