[Digital Today reporter Jin-ho Lee] The Ministry of Science and ICT on Feb. 26 held a kickoff meeting for a task force on 5G standalone mode (SA) with experts from industry, academia and research near Seoul Station.

The ministry last year, through its Hyper AI Network Strategy, set the spread of 5G SA in 2026 as one of the main tasks for mobile communications. It made the shift to 5G SA mandatory as a condition for mobile spectrum reallocation.

5G SA refers to an independent 5G network structure that uses a dedicated 5G core network without connecting to an existing 4G LTE network. Unlike non-standalone mode (NSA), which mixes in 4G, it can implement key functions such as ultra-low latency, network slicing and high-speed data transmission.

5G SA provides higher upload and download speeds and better battery efficiency than the NSA approach, improving user convenience. Network slicing technology can also strengthen public safety by providing specialised services in situations such as public safety and emergencies. The ministry explained it is expected to become a foundational technology for future industries that require real-time data processing and ultra-low latency, such as autonomous driving, smart cities and remote medical care.

The task force was set up to create outcomes through cooperation among industry, academia, research and government, including providing stable support for carriers' shift to 5G SA and promoting the creation of innovative services that use SA characteristics. At the kickoff meeting, the ministry, the three mobile carriers, manufacturers, academia and research groups shared two key goals: a stable shift to 5G SA without service interruptions or quality degradation, and the creation of new and innovative services based on SA.

The task force will treat this year as the first year of 5G SA migration and will seek active participation and cooperation across sectors. Matters requiring institutional improvements will be addressed through separate working groups involving the relevant department and industry, academia and research, under the plan.

Choi Woo-hyuk (최우혁), director general for information security and network policy, said, "The full spread of 5G SA to provide better 5G services as a bridge to 6G will be an important foundation for future industrial innovation and strengthening national competitiveness." He said, "We will actively support the creation of B2B and B2C services that people can feel."