The Ministry of Science and ICT will collect opinions on its detailed policy plan for reallocating mobile frequencies.

The ministry decided in June to reallocate a total of 370 MHz of spectrum, whose usage term ends in 2026, to existing users. Of this, 20 MHz is for 3G and the remaining 350 MHz is for LTE. By operator, SKT holds 155 MHz, KT 115 MHz and LG Uplus 100 MHz.

The ministry plans to prepare a detailed policy plan within the year, including usage terms by band and reallocation fees, so operators can apply for reallocation.

At a public briefing on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. at IT Square, KISDI and the ministry will present the mobile market status, the direction for calculating reallocation fees, and the draft detailed policy plan. A discussion with academics, researchers, operators and consumer groups will also take place.

SKT and LG Uplus are closely watching the reallocation plan. The focal point is the 2.6 GHz band within the total 370 MHz. SKT and LG Uplus hold 60 MHz and 40 MHz respectively and use it for LTE.

SKT, which pays relatively higher fees, argues that identical fees should apply to identical spectrum. LG Uplus counters that the current method should remain, and intense debate is expected at the briefing.

The ministry plans to review and reflect the opinions collected that day and announce the final plan within the year.