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To: LBstocks who wrote (3142)	11/10/1999 1:58:00 AM
From: LBstocks	Respond to of 13582

CDMA Korea news> MIC reviewing ways to utilize frequency returned by SK Telecom A review is underway on how to use the 2.5MHz frequency which will soon be returned by SK Telecom to the government, as the wireless carrier switches completely to CDMA mode, terminating its analog service at the end of the year. The additional 2.5MHz frequency was allotted to SK Telecom in November 1995 as the company sought to launch a commercial CDMA service on condition that it return the frequency when the switch to CDMA mode was completed. While it is almost certain that the growing demand for wireless phone services will result in the frequency being used for mobile telecommunication, competition for the frequency is known to be keen. As well as Shinsegi Telecomm, market leader SK Telecom is also eager to get its hands on the frequency claiming that it will run out of room in 2001 as its subscriber base continues to grow, said the Ministry of Information and Communication yesterday. In response, the ministry has formed a special task force charged with coming up with a plan to maximize efficiency of the returned frequency. The team is expected to produce a plan by the end of the year that will both maximize efficiency and ensure fair competition. The plan will be used to establish a set of standards for frequency allocation, the ministry said. Updated: 11/10/1999

To: LBstocks who wrote (3142)	11/10/1999 2:05:00 AM
From: LBstocks	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 13582

Korean royalties paid to QCOM> Frequent handset switching fuels environmental concerns Frequent switching of mobile handsets driven by wireless carriers' handset subsidies and short intervals between the introduction of new models by handset manufacturers is causing environmental damage and artificially shortening handset life-span. Subsidies have made mobile handsets virtually free when people sign up for services, as companies are engaged in cut-throat competition to boost their subscriber base. In fact, the country's five wireless operators have spent over 5.08 trillion won from 1996 through the first half of this year in handset subsidies, according to the Ministry of Information and Communication and industry sources. Some customers falsely report their handsets missing or switch from operator to operator in pursuit of the latest model, because the initial joining fee is relatively cheap and handsets are almost free. Leading handset manufacturers fuel the fire by releasing new models in short intervals and make the new models incompatible with older batteries. The unused handsets that are abandoned in favor of newer ones lie in waste along with the batteries although they are still in good condition, leading to concerns that they cause damage to the environment. The industry estimates that there are more than two million handsets that have been put out of use prematurely and that the figure could reach more than five million next year. Frequent changing of mobile handsets also costs hard-earned cash. Handset manufacturers pay Qualcomm 4,000 won in royalties for each handset they put out, and the cost of imported parts, about 147,000 won, constitute 42 percent of the manufacturing cost. Production of mobile handsets last year, which totaled 10 million units, led to some 1.84 trillion won leaving the country in royalties and as payment for imported parts. The figure for this year is estimated at 2.25 trillion won with some 14 million units being produced. To prevent environmental damage and the drain on funds, the wireless operators should cut back on handset subsidies and make consumers aware that handsets are not free, industry observers point out. The handset manufacturers should also come up with models that can be used with batteries from older models and thereby reduce damage to the environment, urge consumer groups. Updated: 11/08/1999