SK Telecom, IT&E to deploy 5G network in Guam and Saipan
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South Korean mobile carrier SK Telecom announced that it is in discussion with Citadel and IT&E to deploy a 5G network in Guam and Saipan. In a statement, SKT and IT&E will work together to commercialize the 5G network with fixed wireless access (FWA) offering in Guam and Saipan in the second half of 2019.
SKT said IT&E has already secured 1150MHz bandwidth in the 28-GHz frequency band for 5G communications and aims to become the first operator to launch commercial service in the region.
The 5G network will initially cover dense central areas of cities, local business customers, and areas that lacked fixed broadband infrastructure. This will be expanded gradually to wider areas.
According to SKT, the decision to deploy 5G FWA initially came as a result of an analysis of the region’s fixed broadband infrastructure, topographic features and the needs of residential and enterprise customers. FWA provides IT&E with a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to offer broadband services in areas with limited access to fixed broadband infrastructure.
As part of the collaboration, SKT will help IT&E design a 5G network optimized for the local environment, support network deployment and perform field trials and network optimization.
SKT said the pair have also discussed cooperation in other areas, such as deploying SK Telecom’s security solutions to IT&E’s 5G network, and adopting mobile edge computing and quantum cryptography technologies to enable faster and safer 5G services.
Questions & Answers
Q.When is the 5G network expected to become commercially available in Guam and Saipan?
When is the 5G network expected to become commercially available in Guam and Saipan?
SK Telecom and IT&E plan to work together to commercialise the 5G network, including fixed wireless access, in the second half of 2019.
Q.Which specific areas will the 5G network initially cover after its launch?
Which specific areas will the 5G network initially cover after its launch?
Initially, the 5G network will cover dense central areas of cities, local business customers, and regions currently lacking fixed broadband infrastructure. Coverage will then gradually expand.
Q.Why did SK Telecom and IT&E decide to deploy 5G fixed wireless access initially?
Why did SK Telecom and IT&E decide to deploy 5G fixed wireless access initially?
The decision was made after analysing the region's fixed broadband infrastructure, its topographic features, and the specific needs of both residential and enterprise customers.
Q.What role will SK Telecom play in the deployment of IT&E's 5G network?
What role will SK Telecom play in the deployment of IT&E's 5G network?
SK Telecom will assist IT&E with designing an optimised 5G network for the local environment, support its deployment, and conduct field trials and network optimisation activities.
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