South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (MCIT) is in the process of setting the terms for a planned 5G auction of 3.5-GHz and 28-GHz spectrum in June.
The ministry aims to complete its review into the terms for the auction shortly and hold a public hearing next month, Korea BizWirereported.
The government is trying to determine the best method of allocating spectrum in the bands, with one option being to allocate them evenly among the nation's three mobile operators, the report states.
An alternative would be allocating the largest share to the highest bidder – an option favored by incumbent SK Telecom. But rivals KT and LG Uplus are calling for equal distribution on the grounds that SK Telecom would be unfairly advantaged by the alternative.
The news came as KT unveiled plans to commence commercial 5G operations next March following its successful trial during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
KT plans to beat its rivals to the punch but both SK Telecom and LG Uplus have 5G rollout plans of their own.