5G phones could debut in late 2019

Large-scale testing of next-generation network to precede commercial launch

The nation will step up its push to commercialize fifth-generation mobile communication technology, with 5G-ready smartphones likely to come out in late 2019, experts said.

The comments came as the country aims to get pre-commercial 5G telecom equipment ready by the end of this year, to lay a foundation for large-scale testing of 5G applications and services in 2019.