Background Information
As one of the most reclusive countries in the world, not much is known about the telecommunications industry in North Korea. With reports of North Korea having both rudimentary 2G and 3G mobile networks, it comes as no surprise that North Korea has been attempting to introduce the fifth generation (5G) technology to its citizens. While 5G is available in some areas of the world, North Korea is yet to officially roll out the technology. So, the question remains: Does North Korea have 5G towers?
Technical Possibilities
The North Korean economy has traditionally been a very isolated one. With one of the lowest gross domestic products of any country in the world and a lack of technological sophistication, it comes as no surprise that North Korea is lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of 5G technology. Reports of North Korea attempting to construct test 5G towers in 2017 were likely overstated; however, rumors persist that the government is investing in the construction of 5G towers. The technical feasibility of such a venture is relatively low, as the construction of a 5G network would require a great deal of resources and effort.
Political Aspect
It is also important to consider the political implications of North Korea having 5G technology. North Korea’s current leadership is already known to rely heavily upon surveillance of their citizens, relying upon their own brand of “Big Brother” tactics. With the introduction of 5G, such surveillance could become far easier and more pervasive, with harsh consequences for those who do not accept the government’s rules. Already, the government is known to use mobile and satellite technology to monitor the behavior of its citizens, and 5G could provide the government with an unprecedented level of control over the population.
Benefits of 5G
The introduction of 5G technology could be beneficial for North Korea in many ways. Firstly, it could provide North Korea with a greater level of interconnectivity with the rest of the world and enable North Koreans to access the internet with faster speeds. This could provide a greater level of information to the people of North Korea, bringing greater levels of education and knowledge. Additionally, 5G could increase access to online services such as online banking, providing a greater level of financial inclusion.
Adverse Effects
On the other hand, 5G could have some adverse effects if it is not implemented in an appropriate manner. Firstly, there are concerns around the security of 5G networks, as the level of data traversing them could be more vulnerable to malicious actors. Additionally, 5G could lead to the centralization of data and information, which could then be used against the people of North Korea. The introduction of 5G could also increase the economic inequality in North Korea, as only those with the financial means to access 5G services would be able to benefit from it.
Conclusion
Overall, the jury is still out on whether or not North Korea has 5G towers. While the government is likely exploring the possibility of implementing 5G services, the technical, political and economic realities make the widespread deployment of such technology highly unlikely. If North Korea is to begin the process of constructing 5G towers, the government will need to ensure a secure and equitable implementation of the technology in order to ensure the safety of their citizens.
