Korea Communications Agency said on Dec. 9 that domestic service sites using 5G private networks, known as Eum 5G, have officially surpassed 100.

LG Electronics became the 100th adopter at the end of last month. The total topped 100 four years after the Ministry of Science and ICT began its 5G private network policy in 2021. The annual growth rate is 60 percent.

The milestone shows that 5G private networks are contributing to productivity gains, improved operating efficiency and the growth of digital and AI transition as core infrastructure across various fields.

5G private networks are expanding into AI smart factories, AI logistics centres, smart ports, healthcare, construction and education. Mid-sized equipment maker HFR recently implemented a smart office that manages an entire building using AI predictive maintenance, AI safety services and delivery services based on a 5G private network.

CA opened the 5G Private Network Support Centre in 2021 when the networks were introduced in South Korea. The centre plans to continue supporting additional spectrum supply, customised consulting for companies and institutions, and regulatory improvements. It also plans to lower barriers for small and mid-sized companies and strengthen full-cycle support from deployment to operation.

KCA President Lee Sang-hoon said the milestone was achieved through support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the KCA support centre, along with active adoption by industry. He said KCA will work closely with the ministry, industry and related organisations to support ecosystem expansion so the networks can become core infrastructure for national industrial competitiveness.