World's first 5G? South Korea and US battle over title

Seoul drives speedy launch as Verizon accuses Korean carriers of PR stunt

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South Korean celebrities at the launch ceremony for SK Telecom's 5G service, in Seoul on April 3. © Reuters

KIM JAEWON and ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writers

SEOUL/NEW YORK -- A bitter battle has broken out between U.S. and South Korean telecom companies as each side claims to have launched the world's first commercial fifth generation wireless network.

Verizon accused South Korea's big three carriers -- SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus -- of a "PR stunt" after they pulled forward a celebrity studded launch planned for Friday, in a bid to claim the title.

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