(Korean) Carriers rush to introduce W-CDMA 3G service
KT-ICOM, a mobile unit of fixed-line telecom carrier KT Corp., and SK-IMT, a unit of top mobile carrier SK Telecom, are accelerating moves to introduce W-CDMA third-generation (3G) service next year.
Major foreign carriers are hesitating to implement W-CDMA 3G services, citing uncertainty in the commercial viability of the next- generation mobile standard.
The two Korean players in the global telecom market, however, remain unfazed, taking concrete steps towards implementing the full-fledged W-CDMA service. KT-ICOM aims to launch its service in June of next year, while SK-IMT set their target date in September.
Korea is already offering 3G service based on CDMA (code division multiple access) technology. Korea has embraced the so- called cdma2000 1x, which is a 3G technology standard competing with W-CDMA.
But the government has decided to introduce both cdma2000 1x and W-CDMA 3G services in a bid to help Korean wireless carriers and handset makers open up more overseas markets with experience in both standards.
Although skeptics are still questioning the overlapping investment, KT-ICOM and SK- IMT are poised to implement the services as scheduled.
In September, KT-ICOM placed a telecom equipment order worth 130 billion won to LG Electronics, and set about installing W-CDMA networks.
Barring serious delays, the network will be installed in the metropolitan area by the end of March in 2003. KT-ICOM's testing- level service will be available from April, and a commercial version will come out in June.
KT-ICOM is also working on the procurement of dual-mode handsets in partnership with Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. The company has set aside 30 billion won for the development of W-CDMA content.
SK-IMT, meanwhile, is set to select a major equipment provider by the end of this month. The bidding is reportedly worth about 200 billion won, and participating equipment makers are staging make- or-break competition, people familiar with the matter said.
SK-IMT is also set to convert SK Telecom's mobile content into W- CDMA platforms to provide various digital content to its subscribers.
Both companies are now expected to merge with sister or parent companies, possibly by the end of this year. KT-ICOM is now set to be integrated with its sister wireless unit KTF, which is the country's second largest mobile carrier. SK-IMT is seeking a merger with its parent firm SK Telecom.
(insight@koreaherald.co.kr)
2002.12.10
koreaherald.co.kr
==========
But the government has decided to introduce both cdma2000 1x and W-CDMA 3G services in a bid to help Korean wireless carriers and handset makers open up more overseas markets with experience in both standards.
Is there a business case for slower, expensive, buggy wCDMA in Korea?
LOL! |
