Korea Telekom today demonstrated the world’s first 5G connection through a network built from end-to-end 5G technologies. The test took place in Suwon, South Korea at Samsung Electronics’ Digital City Campus.

Unlike other demonstrations of connectivity between prototype base stations and devices using proprietary specifications, the proof of concept makes use of the PyeongChang 5G Special Interest Group (SIG) common specification – a joint effort backed by a global group of operators and vendors. This group is defining the key technological requirements for 5G mobile services and is also working to deliver the world’s first mobile 5G trial service in early 2018.

During today’s test, which made use of 28 GHz spectrum, the team worked with Samsung to showcase full synchronisation of wireless links, assignment of IP addresses to devices, implementation of security protocols and internet access delivered devices via a 5G virtualized core network. The success of the test demonstrates the value of industry collaboration, as well as the state of readiness of 5G technologies as the industry pushes towards deploying the first commercial 5G networks before 2020.