e-UM 5G or Ieum 5G

Posted by on

In a previous post on the 3G4G blog, we discussed the various names used for private networks across different countries. For instance, in Japan, "Private 5G" is referred to as "Local 5G." Similarly, in South Korea, "Private 5G" is known as "e-UM 5G" or "Ieum 5G." The term "Ieum" comes from the Korean word "이음," meaning "connection" or "link." This terminology underscores the initiative's aim to provide dedicated 5G networks for enterprises and public institutions, promoting connectivity and innovation across various sectors.

Source: KCA

In June 2022, a press release from the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) stated:

A variety of enterprises and institutions have participated in this project, creating the foundation for the e-UM 5G ecosystem. In August, a ‘5G Alliance’ will be launched to foster collaboration among industries, universities, research institutions, and public associations. The alliance aims to develop an e-UM 5G roadmap tailored to industries and identify new business models to facilitate the broader adoption of private 5G networks domestically and internationally.

Minister Lee Jong-Ho highlighted that:

The e-UM 5G network-based convergence services will serve as a new growth engine driving digital innovation. The government will intensify efforts to discover diverse, novel 5G convergence services and ensure that successful domestic reference cases can be replicated in global markets, while focusing on establishing a 5G convergence ecosystem led by the private sector.

In a 2023 announcement, POSCO DX explained its involvement in Ieum 5G:

POSCO DX has completed registration as an ‘Ieum 5G’ company and is embarking on widespread digital transformation (DX) by advancing smart factories at steel mills.

‘Ieum 5G’ allows companies outside the three major telecom operators to build their own 5G networks and provide services in specific locations, such as factories and large facilities, with government approval. On 11th January, POSCO DX received approval for frequency allocation and common telecommunications business registration in the 4.7GHz band at Gwangyang Steel Works.

POSCO DX plans to use the Ieum 5G infrastructure to enhance the smart factories it is currently developing and operating. This includes expanding applications in areas such as autonomous transportation, industrial robot control, and digital twins. Ieum 5G offers high-capacity, stable communication with fast response times and hyper-connectivity. POSCO DX intends to extend its use to secondary battery production sites, unmanned cranes at construction sites, remote-controlled industrial robots, autonomous transportation systems, and real-time environmental monitoring.

The Korea Times provided an interesting example of Ieum 5G in action at Lotte World Adventure amusement park:

Korea is expanding its e-UM 5G ecosystem as an amusement park launches a virtual roller coaster ride that utilises this high-speed, ultra-low-latency private network service. From Wednesday, visitors can experience "5G Atlantis," a virtual roller coaster ride powered by e-UM 5G.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has been promoting services using e-UM 5G, recognising its potential to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s manufacturing and service industries. After two years of development, a consortium, including Lotte World and Newgens, successfully implemented a system that transmits high-capacity data, such as videos, over long distances without delay using the 28GHz network.

Late last year, LG Electronics signed an MOU with Korea’s state-owned railway operator, Korea Railway Corp. (Korail), to deploy an e-UM 5G network to modernise the national railway system. The private 5G network is customised for specific needs, providing a business-exclusive service accessible only through an organisation’s devices or terminals.

South Korea has been a trailblazer in rolling out private 5G networks, as detailed in an earlier post. It’s clear we will hear much more about "e-UM 5G" and "Ieum 5G" in the future.

Related Posts: 

Comments

Post a Comment