Improving Communications Regulations to Promote Smart Cities: Expanding Convergence Services through Linked Usage of Independent Networks

Kim Ick-hoi (associate research fellow)

Lee Jae-yong (managing director, Smart Space Research Center)

Lee Jung-chan (associate research fellow)

Summary

1) Demand has been rising for an expanded scope of independent networks* for linked usage to enable provision of lifestyle-integrated data (medical, welfare, etc.) as a convergent/integrated smart city service.

  * Communications networks independently constructed, managed, and owned by local governments

2) Linked usage of independent networks as key smart city infrastructure was not permitted in the past due to restrictions on use for purposes outside of their installation aims, but permissions have been granted in some areas (transportation, environment, crime and disaster prevention) since 2011.

  - An integrated smart city platform distribution effort has been promoted through some permissions on independent network linkage, and nationwide adoption has proceeded at a swift rate since its 2017 selection by the Internet Data Center (IDC) as “best project in the area of public security.”

3) A consultative group of stakeholders was formed at the suggestion of local governments demanding an increase in independent network linkages; an expansion of linked independent networks was proposed to alleviate issues of underuse by local governments and fees for rented network* usage, and ideas for institutionalization of this expansion were also suggested.

  * Communication networks installed by communications providers (such as KT, SKT, and LG U+), which are used for a fee by local governments for smart city management

4) In addition to increased independent network linkages, other improvements in the area of communication are needed for the promotion of smart cities, including reduced communication fees for use of rented networks for public purposes and expansion of the public Internet of Things (IoT) network.

Policy implications

① Promoting smart city services will require preemptive regulatory improvements, including improvements to personal information- and security-related systems and integration of data with private-sector independent networks

② Communications charge system improvements should also be sought to reduce the financial burden on local governments using rented networks.​