How 5G spectrum is awarded globally

Big money: A man walks past an advertisement for a 5G smartphone in Seoul. South Korea has reportedly raised US$3.3bil from its 5G spectrum auction. — AFP

THE global multi-billion-dollar race towards developing and deploying the fifth-generation (5G) of wireless technology has been increasingly robust.

Several countries are clearly in the lead compared to others in the 5G battle. South Korea, whose 5G journey began in 2008, is touted as the first country in the world to commercially roll out 5G services nationwide.