South Korea\'s Ministry of Science and ICT will raise the spectrum usage fee discount applied to small budget mobile operators to 90 percent from the current 50 percent and extend the discount period by three years, it said on Thursday. The measure is part of a package on stabilising living costs and easing burdens on households. The higher discount will take effect from the first quarter of next year after a decree revision.

A legal opinion provided to a National Assembly member finds that the government may lawfully require 5G infrastructure investment as a condition for reallocating 3G and LTE spectrum. The review says spectrum reassignment is a discretionary and beneficial administrative act, allowing conditions. It states that LTE frequencies remain essential for 5G quality in NSA environments and that investment obligations match legislation on service quality standards. It also says investment options tied to reassignment fees are possible if obligations remain proportionate.