SEOUL — Stage X, a consortium recently chosen to operate South Korea’s next-generation 5G network, announced plans Wednesday to initiate a nationwide communications service in the first half of the next year. The consortium, which includes the mobile virtual network operator Stage Five among its partners, was successful in securing the 28 gigahertz spectrum band for the 5G network with a bid of 430.1 billion won (US$324.4 million) in an auction held by the science ministry last week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this achievement positions it as the fourth mobile carrier in the country, following industry leaders SK Telecom Co., KT Corp., and LG Uplus Corp. The consortium aims to form a corporation later this year, with the goal of launching its service in the upcoming first half and reaching 1 trillion won in sales and a net profit within three years.
Stage X has also outlined plans to enhance its service offerings by introducing mobile devices from Samsung Electronics Co. and Apple Inc. that are compatible with the 28 GHz spectrum used in North America. Furthermore, it intends to collaborate with Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant, to develop an exclusive mobile phone tailored for the Stage X service.
CEO Seo Sang-won emphasized the consortium’s commitment to affordability, promising to streamline the carrier plan by leveraging cloud and artificial intelligence technologies. Following the establishment of its 28 GHz service, Stage X plans to extend its network to encompass additional low and mid-range frequency bands, aiming to broaden its market reach and technological footprint.