South Korea becomes Worlds first to launch 5G networks

South Korea has become the world’s first to launch nationwide 5G mobile networks. The launch technically was scheduled for later, but in turn, launched it two days early to be the first providers of the super-fast wireless technology.

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Despite announcing the launch date of April 5, the three South Korean top telecom providers LG Uplus, SK Telecom and KT began 5G services at 11 pm on Wednesday.

With speculations of the U.S. mobile carrier Verizon to start its 5G services early, triggered South Korea to hastily organise a late-night launch of the 5G services, to secure the first spot.

Verizon began rolling out its 5G services in Chicago and Minneapolis on Wednesday, which was a week ahead of schedule, but the South Korean launches came two hours earlier than the US.

South Korea's biggest mobile operator said in a news release on Thursday, "SK Telecom today announced that it has activated 5G services for six celebrities representing Korea as of 11 pm April 3, 2019”.

The celebrity list included two members of K-pop band EXO and Olympic ice-skating hero Kim Yu-na who were the world’s first 5G smartphone subscribers.