[Gettyimages Bank]
A squabble was induced by LGU+, the only South Korean mobile carrier to pick Huawei's 5G equipment, which argued in newspaper ads that the speed of its 5G network is faster than its competitors, SK Telecom (SKT) and KT, in 181 of 186 places in Seoul.
LGU+ proposed a public verification of speed quality provide consumers with right information as SKT and KT refuted LGU+'s claims that the average speed of its 5G network was measured at 480 Mbps (megabit per second), ahead of competitors who recorded 348 Mbps and 323 Mbps.
KT accused LGU+ of using an "unfair" method by selecting locations and measuring speed with smartphones produced by LG Electronics. LGU+ and LG Electronics are affiliated with South Korea's LG Group. KT threatened to consider filing a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission.
"Drive testing that takes into account mobility is the most accurate method of measuring speed. Our 5G speed and coverage were the best among the three companies," said Kim Young-in, a senior vice president who heads KT's network strategy department.
SKT scoffed at LG's argument, saying it would focus on improving coverage so that clients can properly enjoy 5G products and services. "SK Telecom plans to improve coverage by installing multiple equipment within a wireless station rather than simply expanding the number of wireless stations," said Ryu Jeong-hwan who heads SKT's 5GX infra group.
The Ministry of Science and ICT was reluctant to give quick judgment, saying it would carry out a nationwide evaluation in May next year. "Quality assessment will be carried out as planned based on drive testing," Kim Yeon-jin, who heads a ministry team in charge of communication service infrastructure.
Drive testing is a method of measuring and assessing the coverage, capacity and service quality of a mobile radio network. It requires a mobile vehicle outfitted with measurement equipment which can detect and record a wide variety of the physical and virtual parameters of mobile cellular service in a given geographical area.
Despite U.S. allegations that Huawei's equipment and backbone network infrastructure has security risks which could lead to leaks of vital information including personal and industrial information, LGU+ has shown trust for the security of Huawei's equipment. LGU+ has said that thanks to the fast supply of Huawei's equipment, it has established 5G base stations quicker than competitors.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
