South Korean operator KT plans to complete the deployment of its 5G network by September 2017. KT’s 5G pilot network is scheduled for launch in February 2018. KT will install the network in PyeongChang, the Olympic host city, its neighboring regions and parts of Seoul as a test bed to introduce the advanced mobile technology, Yonhap news agency reports. The network will undergo a stabilization process for four to five months before KT will begin offering the 5G mobile service during the February 2018 Olympic Games.
"The speed of 5G is difficult to come by in areas where there are high buildings", said KT vice-president Oh Seong-mok. KT has already deployed a 5G field test network around Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. “We have been steadily improving our network capabilities to arrive at a speed of 2.5 gigabytes per second at both indoor and urban locations as of now”, the VP said. “We will raise this figure to reach 5 gigabytes per second at PyeongChang”, he added.
During a press conference in Seoul on 13 December, KT also unveiled a ‘5G Bus’ equipped with 5G equipment. Even when the bus is moving, customers inside the vehicle can access uninterrupted 5G services through smooth signal handovers between different base stations.
In addition, KT introduced a 5G-based “sync view” camera that would provide a more immersive view of the bobsled races at the Olympics, writes The Korea Herald. “Given that bobsleds travel at very fast speeds of up to 153 kilometers per hour, it is often difficult to connect them to a wireless network. However, we have developed a new network frame suitable for fast speed environments”, Oh said.
KT also says it is in “positive talks” with the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation as well as the International Olympic Committee to apply its technologies during the Olympics.
