South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has confirmed that, having conducted a performance check relating to SK Telecom’s (SKT’s) utilisation of 28GHz frequencies for 5G connectivity, it plans to cancel the cellco’s concession.

Having previously cancelled KT and LG Uplus’ 28GHz licences back in November 2022 after the pair fell short of meeting requirements in their licences, the regulator at that date gave SKT a temporary reprieve, saying its licence would remain valid until 31 May 2023.

Now, however, it said it had reviewed SKT’s performance as it relates to the use of 28GHz spectrum and had found the operator had rolled out just 1,650 base stations operating in the band, of a required 15,000. Given that SKT has confirmed that it has no plans for further deployments, the MSIT has therefore given it advance notice of its intention to cancel its licence at the end of this month.