[광화문에서/김재영]’Real 5G’ cannot be saved by fighting telecoms companies alone

“5G is a ‘communications highway’ that is 20 times faster than the current 4G. We will promote the ‘5G strategy’ at a national level to create the best 5G ecosystem in the world.”

It seems that the promise made three years and seven months ago by the president has finally come to nothing. On the 18th, the Ministry of Science and ICT decided to cancel the allocation or shorten the period of use, saying that the number of 5G 28GHz (gigahertz) base stations of the three mobile telecommunications companies is not far below the original frequency allocation conditions. Unlike the 3.5GHz band currently used in smartphones, the 28GHz band is called ‘real 5G’ because its maximum speed reaches 20 times that of 4G.

The government strongly reprimanded news agencies for their irresponsibility. Even the president’s office came forward and criticized, saying, “I didn’t even show the will to keep my promise to the people.” Of course, it is difficult for carriers to avoid responsibility. It’s even more important when you consider that they have charged high rates with an uncertain rosy blueprint of ’20 times faster than 4G’. However, scolding the carrier does not solve the problem.

When the government allocated the 28 GHz band in 2018, it ordered the construction of 45,000 devices. This was the government’s decision after going through the Frequency Policy Advisory Committee. However, actually setting up a 28GHz device was not as easy as it seemed. Radio waves could not bend or pass through obstacles, so the equipment had to be placed densely, and the cost burden was high. It was suitable for new business and industries, but the demand was not high, and there was not enough support for content and connected devices.

It can be seen as a failure to anticipate demand, but the government did not review its business. Instead, he emphasized, “The government has been encouraging operators continuously and supporting them in various ways, but the problem is the efforts of operators to save investment.” If so, I would like to ask again if the government’s promises of ‘the government and the public sector will introduce and use 5G first’ and ‘boldly carry out demonstration and pilot projects and support the construction of 1,000 5G factories’ have u deliver.

It’s not that we’re taking the side of the telcos and blaming the government. This means that it is not desirable to drive the situation into conflict between the government and business operators. The conclusion of ‘lack of will of a business operator’ is clear and simple, but a correct prescription does not emerge with this diagnosis. In the future, if you are looking for a new business operator and it doesn’t work out, then again, will you say, “I tried from different angles, but I couldn’t find a business operator with will. “

There is no disagreement that 28GHz is needed for future businesses such as autonomous driving, metabus, and virtual reality. The question is how to activate it. At this opportunity, rather than focusing on finding a new operator to replace the telecommunications company alone, there is a need to properly reconsider how to build and use the 28GHz ecosystem. The government, telecommunications companies, equipment manufacturers, and businesses must put their heads together.

You can reprimand a child for failing a test. However, parental responsibility does not end there. You need to devise a strategy after considering whether setting the goals was appropriate, whether there were any problems with the study method, whether there were any subjects to be strategically disregarded, or whether the academy should be changed. Without this process, if you were to clasp your hands together and say ‘Let’s do well from now on’, the results of the next exam will be obvious.

Kim Jae-young, Deputy General Manager of Industrial Department 1 redfoot@donga.com

• as an imagelike
• sad imagesI’m so sad
• angry imagesangry
• I want an after imageI want a follow up article

Image feature article….Article recommendation

share an imageshare

Copyright ⓒ Donga Ilbo & donga.com