SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest telecommunications provider, has become the first network in the world to complete a commercial 5G video call using a Samsung smartphone.
The call, conducted by SK Telecom’s CEO Park Jung-ho to a staff manager in Seoul, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s transition to 5G. According to Park, the video quality was noticeably clearer than a comparable LTE call, highlighting one of the key benefits 5G promises for real-time video communication.
A prototype Samsung 5G handset was used for the demonstration. Samsung plans to release its first commercial 5G phone next year, though widespread availability of compatible networks and devices will vary by country.
South Korea is at the forefront of 5G rollouts. In addition to SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus have launched 5G networks. While these initial deployments are presently focused on business customers, carriers in South Korea have indicated plans to open services to the general public around March 2019.
The announcement is a positive development for Samsung, especially following reports that competitors such as Apple may not introduce a 5G-capable iPhone until 2020. Early carrier support for 5G devices can sway consumer choices, giving manufacturers that release compatible handsets sooner a potential advantage in markets where operators promote 5G-ready devices.
Several other smartphone makers have already confirmed plans to introduce 5G-capable phones next year, including LG, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, signaling a broader industry push toward faster mobile networks and the devices that can utilize them.
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