As the year-end launch of standalone 5G (SA) services approaches, there are calls for clearer standards regarding the use of network slicing. While criteria for ensuring service quality are in place, the current net neutrality guidelines leave ambiguity about which services can incur additional charges.
According to the telecommunications industry on September 22, the three major carriers—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—are aiming to roll out 5G SA services by the end of the year. Network slicing, a key feature of SA, allows a single network to be divided by purpose, providing necessary quality such as latency and stability.
The main issue is how to sell the quality assurance features implemented in the SA network as services. Net neutrality is a principle that prevents carriers from unfairly discriminating against internet traffic based on content or service provider. The current guidelines permit 'special services' under certain conditions, distinguishing them from standard internet access services. A notable example is KT's demonstration of 5G SA-based network slicing technology at the World Fireworks Festival on September 5.
However, there are calls for clearer guidelines on which services outside of public safety can utilize special services and the criteria for such determinations. This is to prevent scenarios where the quality for specific services is guaranteed at the expense of general internet users or where certain platform providers receive undue advantages.
Lee Jong-kwan, a senior expert at law firm Sejong, stated, "To activate special services, the definitions, concepts, and scope within the guidelines need to be broadened. For areas requiring distinct quality, such as emergency services, smart factories, and robotics, the government should provide some initial scope." This means that service providers should be able to predict the applicability of their services during planning.
Shin Min-soo, a professor at Hanyang University, expressed concern that network slicing could distort the quality of general internet services. He emphasized the need for explanations regarding net neutrality so that carriers can understand the requirements for providing services to general users. He added that in the B2B sector, where companies have different demands for speed and latency, regulations should be relaxed to allow for customized services.
Some experts suggest that discussions on net neutrality and the transition to 5G SA should be viewed separately. Jang Kyung-hee, a professor at Inha University, noted, "The evolution of 5G SA and the transition to 6G are distinct issues. Gaining experience by applying new features like network slicing in actual services will facilitate a smoother transition to 6G in the future."
In response, the Ministry of Science and ICT stated that it is gathering opinions from various stakeholders regarding revisions to the net neutrality guidelines.
During a forum on building a sustainable digital ecosystem held in the National Assembly, Rep. Lee Jeong-heon of the Democratic Party emphasized the need to reassess the value of network infrastructure and find cooperative models that support sustainable growth. He stated, "Sustainable digital innovation is only possible when content, platforms, and networks coexist and share responsibilities."
Professor Kim Myung-soo of Gangwon University added that the goal of net neutrality is not to enforce the same quality across all services but to prevent unreasonable discrimination. He suggested starting with areas of significant public interest and expanding from there, emphasizing the importance of ensuring user choice and transparency in pricing and operational conditions without favoring specific platforms or degrading general internet quality.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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