SK Telecom announced that it is discussing with Citadel and IT&E for deployment of 5G network in Guam and Saipan.
SK Telecom and IT&E will work together to commercialize Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) 5G network in Guam and Saipan in the second half of 2019. FWA is a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to providing broadband in areas with limited access to fixed broadband services.
SK Telecom and IT&E said that the decision to deploy 5G FWA initially came as a result of an analysis of the region’s fixed broadband infrastructure, topographic features and need of residential and enterprise customers. IT&E has already secured 1150MHz bandwidth in the 28GHz frequency band for 5G communications and aims to launch the first-ever 5G service in the region.
The 5G rollout will begin from highly concentrated central areas of cities, local business customers and areas that lack fixed-line infrastructure. Then, the coverage of the network will be expanded gradually to wider areas.
SK Telecom plans to share with IT&E its extensive knowhow in network planning, deployment and operation to realize the best quality 5G network in Guam and Saipan: The company will help IT&E design a 5G network optimized for the local environment; support efficient network deployment; and perform field trials and network optimization.
Moreover, SK Telecom and IT&E have decided to develop specific areas for cooperation including 5G. At present, they are primarily focusing on mobile edge computing (MEC). By rolling out 5G networks applied with MEC in main areas of Guam and Saipan, they can dramatically enhance customer experience and lay the groundwork for services that require ultra-high speed data processing.
SK Telecom and IT&E have also discussed the idea of applying SK Telecom’s security solutions to IT&E’s 5G network. With the application of quantum cryptography technology, which has been utilized in Deutsche Telekom’s trial network in July 2018, IT&E will be able to provide its subscribers with the safest (safer) 5G service.
Park Jung-ho, CEO and President, SK Telecom
SK Telecom will work closely with IT&E to deploy safe and stable 5G network in Guam and Saipan. Going forward, SK Telecom will continue to cooperate with diverse players throughout the globe to accelerate 5G-powered innovations.
Jim Oehlerking, CEO of IT&E
5G is transformational technology, and when supported by SK Telecom’s engineering team and our typhoon-proven network, our subscribers will enjoy a smooth transition to the next generation of mobile connectivity.
