Samsung and KT launch Korea’s first commercial 5G SA network

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Korea’s first commercial 5G Standalone service is now live and ushering in a new wave of consumer experiences and business opportunities in the region.

cmmellow from Pixabay
Lotte World Tower, Seoul (Image credit: cmmellow from Pixabay)

Samsung and KT have announced they have successfully launched Korea’s first commercial 5G SA network, turning on next-generation service in the country. The live SA network achievement follows the two companies’ collaboration on the deployment of Korea’s first 5G SA and Non-Standalone (NSA) common core in the operator’s commercial network.

Since the NSA deployment, back in November 2020, Samsung and KT have been preparing for 5G SA launch, through multiple tests and trials in KT’s major offices and in urban areas. The new SA deployment will help accelerate KT’s 5G vision to deliver socio-economic value and enhanced consumer experiences across Korea through the advancement of 5G.

“An important step in unlocking the full potential of 5G.”

Youngsoo Seo, KT.

“Our 5G SA service will be an important step in unlocking the full potential of 5G and it will bring new value to our customers,” said Youngsoo Seo, Senior Vice President and Director of Network Research Technology Unit, Network Group at KT. “As a digital platform company, KT will continue to make efforts to help drive Korea’s Digital New Deal and ensure our customers enjoy the best experiences and opportunities that 5G has to offer,” Seo continued.  

End-to-end 5G network solutions

Samsung provided KT its end-to-end 5G network solutions from Radio Access Network (RAN) to Core, for this commercial launch. KT facilitated a smooth transition to 5G SA by using Samsung’s 5G RAN and Core, which can support 5G SA and NSA simultaneously.

“Placing Korea at the forefront of network technology innovation.”

Seungil Kim, KT.

“Samsung is proud to play a leading role in placing Korea at the forefront of network technology innovation,” said Seungil Kim, Vice President and Head of Korea Business, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our reliable and flexible 5G SA architecture, powered by our 5G RAN and Core, will enable KT to offer its users the next generation of enhanced use cases and mobile experiences. By introducing 5G SA services in Korea, we are taking a meaningful step in 5G journey, and look forward to delivering more transformative experiences to customers and businesses with KT,” Kim continued. 

The implementation of SA 5G networks opens up new business opportunities for service providers, like KT. The 5G technology enables service providers to reduce time-to-service, and accelerate a new generation of use cases and opportunities for consumers and businesses.

Rachael Sharpe
Rachael Sharpe

Rachael is a British journalist with 17 years experience in the publishing industry. Since launching www.digitalcameraworld.com, she’s been freelancing, and working for some of the world’s best-loved websites and magazines including T3.com and TechRadar.com and has also had a book, iPad for Photographers, published. A regular contributor at 5Gradar, Rachael is following the 5G market closely. Find out more at www.rachaelsharpe.com