SKT, Samsung make first 5G call using real equipment

SK Telecom moved closer to commercializing a next-generation 5G network in partnership with Samsung Electronics, its selected network equipment provider, by completing its first 5G data call, the company said Monday.

The first call refers to a demonstration of all end-to-end elements of a 5G call that meets the non-standalone 5G new radio standard set up by 3GPP, an international organization for standards of mobile communication.

While Vodafone and Huawei had jointly succeeded in a 5G call earlier in February, they used test equipment. According to SK Telecom, it used Samsung equipment that can be commercialized once 5G air waves hit Seoul.

BY KIM JEE-HEE [kim.jeehee@joongang.co.kr]