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Who launched 1st 5g

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The first commercial 5G network was launched by SK Telecom in South Korea. SK Telecom, one of the major telecommunications operators in the country, officially rolled out its 5G service on April 3, 2019. The launch marked a significant milestone in the global deployment of 5G technology.

Technical Details of SK Telecom's 5G Launch:

  1. Frequency Bands:
    • SK Telecom utilized both sub-6 GHz and mmWave (millimeter-wave) frequency bands for its initial 5G deployment.
    • Sub-6 GHz provides broader coverage, while mmWave offers higher data transfer rates but with shorter range.
  2. Infrastructure:
    • The 5G network infrastructure included a combination of new base stations and upgraded existing infrastructure to support the higher frequencies and data rates associated with 5G.
    • Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology was employed to enhance network capacity and coverage.
  3. Devices:
    • SK Telecom launched its 5G service with a range of compatible devices, including smartphones and mobile hotspots capable of connecting to the 5G network.
    • Manufacturers collaborated with the telecom operator to release the first 5G-enabled smartphones for consumers.
  4. Use Cases:
    • With the introduction of 5G, SK Telecom aimed to provide faster data speeds, lower latency, and support for a variety of new applications and services.
    • Enhanced mobile broadband, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) were among the anticipated use cases.
  5. International Collaboration:
    • SK Telecom collaborated with global technology partners, including network equipment vendors and device manufacturers, to ensure a smooth and successful launch of its 5G network.
  6. Subsequent Global Deployments:
    • Following SK Telecom's launch, other telecommunications operators around the world began deploying their own 5G networks, contributing to the global expansion of 5G technology.

It's important to note that while SK Telecom was among the first to launch a commercial 5G network, other operators and countries quickly followed suit, and 5G deployment became a global effort. The development and deployment of 5G technology have since continued, with various operators and countries contributing to the widespread adoption of 5G networks.