[2021 National Audit] Yang Jeongsuk: "Number of 5G Base Stations in 70 Basic Local Governments Less Than in Gangnam-gu"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] It has been pointed out that the installation of 5G base stations by mobile carriers is carried out solely based on wealth and economic feasibility.

At the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) audit on the 20th, Representative Yang Jeong-suk (Independent) cited data received from the Ministry of Science and ICT showing that as of August, 2,788 5G base stations were installed across 70 basic local governments nationwide, which is fewer than the 2,821 5G base stations installed in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

In particular, Representative Yang noted that not a single 5G base station was installed in Cheorwon-gun and Yanggu-gun in Gangwon Province; four regions including Uiryeong-gun in Gyeongnam Province, Bonghwa-gun and Yeongyang-gun in Gyeongbuk Province, and Sinan-gun in Jeonnam Province had only one installation each; and Yeonggwang-gun in Jeonnam Province and Goseong-gun in Gangwon Province actually saw a decrease of one base station compared to the previous year.

Representative Yang stated, “Despite the continuous increase in marketing expenses by mobile carriers, 5G base stations are not being installed in underserved areas,” and requested, “The Ministry of Science and ICT should take the lead in creating an environment so that anyone who wants to use 5G can do so.”

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