KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo: "5G Plans to Launch in August... Recognizing the Necessity"

Efforts to Activate 5G 28GHz Band
Study First Through Private Working Group

KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo is listening to Minister Lee Jong-ho's greeting at the meeting between the Minister of Science and ICT and the CEOs of the three major telecommunications companies held on the 11th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] KT CEO Koo Hyun-mo stated on the 11th, after a meeting between Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho and the CEOs of the three major telecom companies, that "5G plans will be launched in August."

CEO Koo attended an event held at 2 p.m. in the conference room of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, where he discussed telecom policy issues such as diversification of 5G plans, expansion of 5G coverage and quality improvement, and investment plans for new ICT industries.

The government plans to review the introduction of a mid-tier 5G plan, which it urged the three major telecom companies to adopt to stabilize people’s livelihoods. Since it was initially expected to be introduced within the third quarter, this indicates a willingness to review it more quickly. SK Telecom submitted a notification on the same day to launch a 25GB plan priced at 59,000 KRW per month.

When asked about the possibility of launching a more aggressive plan compared to competitor SK Telecom, CEO Koo replied, "Since it is handled by the business division, I have not received a report yet," but added, "I agree with the necessity itself."

Regarding efforts to activate the 28 GHz band for 5G, a policy agreement was reached to form a private working group rather than making immediate additional investments. CEO Koo said, "Since there are differences in perception among operators, there was talk about forming a private working group to study the matter," and added, "Regarding the subway currently in progress, there was agreement to proceed diligently and quickly."

In response to the recent additional allocation of the 3.4 GHz band frequency to LG Uplus, preparations such as equipment upgrades have also been made. CEO Koo said, "We have started upgrading to 64TRx equipment," and added, "Ericsson’s equipment is already out and being upgraded, and Samsung is also preparing."

When asked about the preparation stage for transitioning to a holding company, he showed a cautious stance, saying, "We are currently reviewing it internally and also conducting consulting."

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