KT applied 5G standalone (SA)-based network slicing technology at the "Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2026" to stably operate a communications network for safety management.

KT said on Sept. 6 it operated 25 wireless CCTV units and 10 emergency contact devices equipped with network slicing at the Seoul World Fireworks Festival held on Sept. 5.

KT participated as the event's official technology sponsor. It installed wireless CCTV around Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Park and transmitted footage to an integrated control room in real time. It also provided emergency contact devices to safety staff to help manage spectator movement and respond to emergencies.

Network slicing is a technology that separates a single physical communications network into virtual networks by purpose. It can secure communications resources needed for specific services separately from general user traffic, providing a stable communications environment even when large crowds gather.

KT operated the event-site safety communications network separately from general spectator traffic. This enabled the integrated control room to monitor crowd density in key areas and on-site conditions through real-time video without building separate dedicated lines. KT also applied network slicing to the 10 emergency contact devices given to safety staff, maintaining command and contact channels even during congestion.

Network slicing is implemented in a 5G SA environment in which both the core network and base stations are built exclusively for 5G. KT operates the only commercial 5G SA network among South Korea's three mobile carriers.

KT used network slicing at the Gwanghwamun World Cup street cheering site in June to verify the stability of voice and data communications among event staff. At this fireworks festival, it expanded the scope to include large-capacity real-time video transmission.

KT plans to expand the application of network slicing to large events, industrial sites and public safety based on this demonstration. It is also reviewing tailored network slicing services for corporate and general users.

Oh Taek-kyun (오택균), executive managing director and head of the Network Strategy Office in KT's Network Division, said the Seoul World Fireworks Festival was a case that confirmed commercial-network operation capabilities for 5G SA network slicing and its potential use for public safety. He said KT would continue to develop tailored network services that meet customer and industrial-site demand.