KT, Samsung develop network tech for standalone 5G

KT Corp. worked closely with Samsung Electronics to develop a core network technology that allows local 5G subscribers to use the standalone version of the network, which has the advantage of lower latency.

South Korean 5G users are currently limited to the non-standalone version, requiring support from the 4G LTE network.

The new technology is the first in South Korea.

KT is planning to introduce the technology to eight of the carrier's telecommunication centers across the country.

Before the pandemic, South Korean carriers were expected to commercialize the standalone version of 5G by year's end to support the growing number of users.

South Korea has 9.25 million 5G users as of end-September, making up 13.2 percent of its 70.2 million mobile accounts.