There is a state of emergency in 3 mobile carriers as they try to secure broadband frequency (one way 20 MHz range) because 700 MHz’s direction is unclear and government gave a permission to use 2.6 GHz to 4th mobile carrier. It can be end up as 3 mobile carriers fighting for securing one broadband frequency (2.1 GHz).

According to communication industry on the 31st, 3 mobile communicators are in a deeper concern as government announced its plan to support 4th mobile carrier. Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (MSIP) approved a use of not just 2.5 GHz (LTE-TDD 40 MHz range), but also 2.6 GHz (LTE-FDD 40 MHz range) to 4th mobile carrier. By allowing businesses to freely choose technology methods, new businesses can now enter the market easier.

At the frequency auction that was supposed to happen at the end of this year, bandwidths that were mentioned as broadband frequencies were 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.6 GHz. But things began to change rapidly as National Disaster and Safety Communication Network’s issues began to rise last year. As the government distributed 20 MHz out of 700 MHz to National Disaster and Safety Communication Network, battle between broadcast and communication businesses that was already present began to intensify even more.

MSIP presented desperate measure that distributes 40 MHz out of 700 MHz for mobile communication purposes and 4 channels (24 MHz) to local UHD channels. National Assembly rejected this measure, and local channels still insist on using all 700 MHz residual bandwidths on UHD channels. Sense of crisis begins to grow as broadband frequency can completely fade away and rest of bandwidths can all be passed to broadcasts.

Worst case of scenario can happen if 3 mobile carriers don’t receive 700 MHz broadband frequency, and 4th mobile carrier chooses 2.6 GHz. Industry thinks that there is a high possibility that 4th mobile carrier will choose 2.6 GHz bandwidth that uses frequency division long term evolution method (LTE-FDD) by considering card readers and product’s supply and demand.

“It’s difficult for mobile carriers can say yes or no regarding government’s distribution of 700 MHz. We just hope to secure even just 40 MHz range. It is unknown whether or not 4th mobile carrier will choose 2.6 GHz, but it is something that existing mobile carriers don’t really want.” One employee that is in charge of frequency at a mobile carrier confessed about what existing mobile carriers really want.

If those mobile carriers don’t received broadband frequency from 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz, it is inevitable that they will fight for 2.1 GHz. Even before Disaster and Safety Communication Network’s and 4th mobile carrier’s issues stuck out, 2.1 GHz was something that those carriers showed much interest in.

LG UPlus uses 20 MHz for LTE purpose, and SK Telecom and KT use 60 MHz and 40 MHz for 3G purposes respectively. SK Telecom and KT switched 20 MHz out of 60 MHz for LTE purposes last year and started tri-band LTE-A service.

MSIP plans to collect total of 100 MHz that SK Telecom and KT use by end of 2016 and recycle minimum of 60 MHz range for LTE purpose. All three mobile carriers have a chance to secure additional broadband as of right now.

“All 3 mobile carriers are looking to secure 2nd broadband frequency as it is advantageous to secure broadband frequency as much as possible due to increase of data traffic. Frequency’s direction will be decided when 700 MHz’s use is decided and decision of 4th mobile carrier’s selection is made at the end of this year.” A person in this industry said about what will ultimately happen at the end of the year when everything is decided.

Staff Reporter An, Hochun | hcan@etnews.com