Stage X to launch nationwide network service in 2025

Stage X CEO Seo Sang-won speaks during a press conference at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Stage X, the nation's fourth mobile carrier, plans to launch nationwide network services in the first half of next year, investing 612.8 billion won ($462 million) in building 28 gigahertz (GHz) 5G network base stations, its CEO said Wednesday.

"We will begin building infrastructure this year and aim to launch nationwide network services in the first half of 2025," Stage X CEO Seo Sang-won said during a press conference in Seoul. "In addition to establishing 28 GHz base stations, we will also secure additional mid-low band frequencies to build our own network."

Stage X recently won the 28 GHZ frequency auction, conducted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, by offering the highest bid price of 430.1 billion won, thereby becoming the country's fourth mobilecarrier, following SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.

"We will attempt to make bold innovations in terms of investment in facilities and infrastructure," Seo said. "We will virtualize the entire core network, which is in charge of telecommunication service operations, in the cloud to secure cost-effectiveness."

The company added that it will actively use AI technology to save costs. It plans to apply the technology in network quality management and service operation to reduce operating costs and consequently offer cheap cell phone plans.

The CEO said the company will provide services via Wi-Fi with the 28GHz frequency. It plans to build 28 GHz-based Wi-Fi in densely populated facilities, including concert halls, hospitals, schools and airports.

Stage X plans to invest 612.8 billion won in building 6,000 base stations, which is the mandated installation standard for the 28 GHz frequency network. It said the investment amount is about 5.5 percent of the amount other mobile carriers have invested in the 5G network.

"Currently, there are no devices in Korea that support the 28GHz frequency, but Apple already supports devices in that frequency band, and Samsung Electronics supports the full 28GHz frequency for its Galaxy flagship models. We will actively communicate with the government to enable the use of 28GHz-supporting smartphones that are already launched in the United States in Korea," Seo said.

He noted that the company will release its own smartphone in collaboration with Taiwan-based smartphone manufacturer Foxconn.

"We will develop a Stage X-exclusive 28 GHz-supporting device with Foxconn to enhance our brand value," he said.