[Digital Times, Kang Eun-seong] Next Generation 5G (5G) frequency allocation is scheduled for 2018. If the mobile carriers cannot use the 5G frequency band, it will have a legal basis to return the frequency. LG Telecom, in the past, (currently LG U Plus) has been allocated the 2.1GHz band and returned it, thereby minimizing the financial losses and CEO replacement, and maximizing frequency utilization.

According to the telecommunication industry on November 26, the National Assembly is pushing for revision of the radio wave law that allows `return of frequencies`. It has already submitted some amendments to the Standing Committee, which was created by the National Assembly`s science and technology information and communication committee, Oh Se-jung, a member of the National Assembly.

Article 14 of the current Radio Waves Act permits a licensee to assign or lease the frequency when the time limit specified by law has passed. However, "return" is not allowed.

LG Telecom is the case that broke the frequency and returned the frequency. The company has been allocated the frequency band of 2.1GHz for the `synchronous IMT-2000` to build the same 3G mobile communication network as the 2G CDMA system, but the CDMA communication area is shrinking globally and asynchronous GSM technology is used for 3G mobile communication In 2006, when the mainstream was formed, the band of 2.1GHz was returned. The government also recalled the synchronous IMT-2000 business license granted to LG Telecom.

LG Telecom paid more than KRW 300 billion in this process, to the band of 2.1GHz band that it could not use properly and occupied. Then, it violated the Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Act violation, such as fulfillment obligation due to frequency allocation, the abusive president resigned disgracefully.

The amendment of the Radio Waves Law is intended to provide a legal basis for the licensee to return the right to use the frequency with the approval of the Minister of Science, Technology and Communication, etc., due to sudden changes in the economic and technological environment. It is the intention to prevent the situation like LG Telecom in the past.

A representative of the National Assembly said, "The frequency of finite resources has increased in value in the 5G era, so that the ransom value is higher and the utilization is dependent on the national competitiveness. In this situation, "The reason is that a company with a lack of utilization capacity will open the way to return the frequency as soon as possible and that other competent operators will reallocate the frequency to maximize utilization." He explained.

The amendment also included the option of `returning` some of the allocation fees already paid when returning the frequencies from the country.

Meanwhile, some of the revisions have raised some concerns. An information and communication policy expert said, "As soon as a frequency is allocated to a finite resource, it is characterized by the proprietor monopolizing the frequency." In this situation, the competitor is strategically allocated "It is necessary to include specific preventive measures in the bill because the" abuse "case such as returning the frequency may come out." Another expert commented, "Because the current frequency is auctioned, raising the auction price for the purpose of checking competitors is pointed out as a side effect. If the return is permitted, unexpected events may occur in which the auction price goes up to the ceiling. "He added.


By Kang Eun Seong esther@


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