World's first 5G phone released in South Korea
Seoul: Samsung Electronics on Friday released the Galaxy S10 5G, the world's first available smartphone with built-in fifth-generation communications technology, as South Korea seeks to build a lead in the transformative system.
On Wednesday the South became the first country to commercially launch nationwide 5G services, with three superfast networks going live offering data speeds that allow users to download entire movies in less than a second.
Hours later US giant Verizon began commercial services in Chicago and Minneapolis, after rival AT&T made a 5G-based system available to selected users in parts of 12 cities in December.
South Korea's three mobile carriers -- SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus -- held launch events across Seoul for the Galaxy S10, whose base version costs 1.39 million won ( 1,200).
Interactive virtual-reality displays and robot demonstrations were on show to tout the capabilities of the latest iteration of mobile internet speed, and new users were excited about the possibilities, especially live streaming of sports games and university lectures.
"I watch a lot of videos often, movies and lectures," said buyer Shim Ji-hye, 38. "I hope faster speeds will help me manage my time better."
Another user said he was most excited about virtual reality content -- which includes games and even "celebrity VR dating" apps according to the country's mobile carriers.
With 5G, said researcher Lee Sang-yoon, VR content "can be enjoyed in real time with no delay... I'll be able to enjoy it in better resolution and speed".
Before Friday's roll-out of the Samsung phone, the 5G service had been restricted to a handful of specially selected users in South Korea.
Rival manufacturer LG is due to launch its V50 ThinQ, another 5G phone, in the South later this month, while in the US, Verizon's network works with Lenovo's Moto Z3 smartphone fitted with a special accessory.
Commercialising 5G gives South Korea the chance to build around the technology, which is crucial for the future development of devices such as autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.
It is expected to bring about 565 billion in global economic benefits by 2034, according to the London-based Global System for Mobile Communications, an industry alliance.
The implications of the new technology have pitted Washington against Beijing -- whose firms dominate 5G technology -- in an increasingly bitter standoff.
The US has pressed its allies and major economies to avoid 5G solutions from Chinese-owned telecom giant Huawei, citing security risks that technological backdoors could give Beijing access to 5G-connected utilities and other components.
Chinese entities own a total of 3,400 5G patents -- more than a third of the total, according to data analysis firm IPlytics -- with 1,529 of those registered by Huawei.
South Korea comes next, with its companies holding 2,051 patents, while US firms have 1,368 together.
Neither KT nor SK Telecom use Huawei technology in their 5G networks, but it is a supplier to LG UPlus, the companies told AFP.
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"Once a Waqf, Always a Waqf? Not Anymore," says BJP as Waqf Amendment Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: The controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has been widely criticised by Muslim organisations and opposition parties, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took to X (formerly Twitter) to express its support for the Bill, stating that it "brings in accountability, puts people's rights first, and ends unchecked monopolies."
"Once a Waqf, always a Waqf? Not anymore," the BJP wrote on X, emphasising four key reasons why the Waqf Amendment Bill is necessary.
The saffron party argued that under the new Bill, Waqf Boards would no longer have the power to self-declare land as Waqf property. It further pointed out that Waqf boards would no longer be required to disclose land records or financial transactions.
Another significant amendment, according to the BJP, is that disputes over Waqf properties will now be heard in civil courts, ending the Waqf’s exclusive control over land-related cases. The Bill also aims to amend special protections that had previously prevented courts from hearing Waqf disputes.
Additionally, the party highlighted that the Bill ensures women’s representation in Waqf administration. The BJP noted that these amendments are critical for promoting social justice and equality.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. The government claims that the amendments will streamline the functioning of Waqf Boards and improve the management of Waqf properties.
"The government is not going to interfere in any religious institution. The changes made in the Waqf law by the UPA government gave it overriding effect over other statutes, hence the new amendments were required," he said amid noisy opposition protest.
Once a Waqf, always a Waqf...?
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 2, 2025
Not anymore❌
The Waqf Amendment Bill brings in accountability, puts people’s rights first, and ends unchecked monopolies.
✅ Full digitalization of Waqf properties 💻
✅ Ensuring women’s representation in Waqf administration
✅… pic.twitter.com/yXVX51qJ15
