What is the status of the 5G SA rollout since commencement in 4Q2020? Is there anything you are doing differently from past network rollouts?

Our 5G standalone (“SA”) network rollout is well underway and will cover the 5G SA core, radio, security, and monitoring services. We are on track to launch a 5G SA data service for our customers in 2021 and to meet our regulatory obligations to achieve 50% nationwide coverage by 2022.

Looking back at the rollout of our 4G service, a key difference in the rollout of our 5G network is our 5G Next Generation Core (“5G NGC”) that is based on Cloud Native technologies and architecture. The 5G NGC allows new services to be created faster with increased extensibility, leveraging the service-based interfaces to enable innovative new use cases. Utilising Cloud Native technology simplifies network operations significantly through orchestration of workflows, such as in the case of software upgrades required.

The 5G SA upgrade will allow us to run 5G technology independent of existing 4G network technology. With a consistent and elevated user experience, the 5G SA technology will enable Enterprise use cases and is able to simultaneously connect a large number of devices and offer game-changing mobility solutions that thrive on ultra-high speed, low-latency, secure campus networking capabilities.  We are excited by the new possibilities and are eager to tap the vast potential of the new technology that offers elevated capabilities.

Utilising the 3.5GHz spectrum, customers will enjoy new digital services powered by our new 5G SA architecture, such as augmented reality for entertainment, education and healthcare. The industry will be able to deliver massive Internet of Things, allowing interconnection of many devices and applications for a smarter society. Businesses will be able to leverage the technology to deliver e-sports, augmented reality/virtual reality live feeds, and host AI-based solutions such as facial recognition services and to deploy other advanced IoT solutions.