KT Launches Trial Service of 2.3GHz Wireless Internet
Fixed-line telecom giant KT launched the trial operation of 2.3-gigahertz wireless Internet yesterday, moving a step closer to full-scale mobile transmission of data.
``This system turns a new page in mobile communications,’’ KT president and CEO Lee Yong-kyung said.
The new service transmits one megabit of data per second for both uploading and downloading, a similar speed to that offered by fixed-line broadband Internet connection.
Compared with existing wireless LAN, which offers mobile Internet access within a few hundred meters of an access point or ``hotspot’’ using 2.4-gigahertz radio frequency, the new technology allows users to access mobile Internet service anywhere, KT said.
To use the new service, customers must buy a special plug-in card for their laptop computers, as well as personal digital assistants.
``In terms of mobility and coverage, 2.3-gigahertz wireless Internet access has a competitive advantage,’’ Lee said.
KT said it hasn’t fixed the price for the next-generation mobile Internet service because the government hasn’t granted it a license for commercial operation of the service.
The Ministry of Information and Communication said the decision about how to allocate the 2.3-gigahertz frequency to operators hasn’t been made.
KT said the early adoption of next-generation wireless Internet service is needed to boost the depressed information-technology industry.
``From the market’s viewpoint, it is desirable to decide the technical standard and commercial operators within this year,’’ the telecom giant said.
Since early last year, KT’s rival Hanaro Telecom has been also in technical preparation to launch commercial service of 2.3-gigahertz mobile Internet service.
KT has also successfully tested the interoperability of 2.3-gigahertz and 2.4-gigahertz Internet operations, ensuring the commercial viability of the new technology.
Currently, KT operates a base station for 2.3-gigahertz wireless Internet access in alliance with LG Electronics, ArrayComm and Kyosera. Thursday’s test-run was based on technology developed by ArrayComm, a U.S. wireless technology developer.
Starting April, KT plans to test another technical standard with Flarion Technologies, a spin-off from Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies’ research arm. It plans to use the Flarion system, which has yet to be used on a commercial basis, for wireless Internet access for laptops and handheld computers as part of the test.
Details of the trial are not yet final and it is unclear how the company would combine both systems commercially.
By Kim Deok-hyun
Staff Reporter
kdh@koreatimes.co.kr
times.hankooki.com |
