Launch of new platform will allow people to view virtually all websites on their cell phones

Korea Times
Monday, March 12, 2007

By Kim Tae-gyu

Can people surf their blogs via their mobile phones? Most Web sites remain inaccessible despite widespread use of cell phone-based Internet services.

However, things are expected to change with the launch of the high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA). HSDPA refers to the next-generation platform for mobile telephony and wireless data services touted for its high speed and reliability.

Based on the new technology and public demand for more reliable browsing features via mobile phones SK Telecom plans to release a handset, dubbed the "full-browsing phone," this May. KTF plans to follow suit in September.

SK Telecom, the country's top mobile carrier, and runner-up KTF are going all-out to propel nationwide HSDPA services.

"Thus far, mobile users could not enjoy surfing the Web with ease due to weak functionalities of browsers and slow speeds," SK Telecom spokesman Kim Jae-ik said.

"The two barriers will be addressed this year with the commercial debut of nationwide HSDPA services and phones dedicated to full browsing services," Kim said.

SK Telecom plans to establish an HSDPA network, which promises wireless data transmission speeds similar to that of today's fixed-line connectivity, later this month.

KTF already finished installing its HSDPA network last month and began the 3.5-generation mobile services across the country earlier this month.

SK Telecom CEO Kim Shin-bae said the relationship between HSDPA and full browsing will usher in fresh opportunities for businesses and consumers.

"As the wireless Internet becomes more Web-like to resemble the landline Internet, consumers' interest in wired services will expand to the wireless arena," Kim said.

"With trends toward the adoption of full browsing, contents of the mobile Internet will converge with those of the wired Internet. What is expected to stimulate the development of the wireless Internet above all is the advent of HSDPA," he said.

In an interview with the Korean-language Electronic Times yesterday KTF President Cho Young-chu agreed that the future looks bright for HSDPA.

"What HSDPA will bring can be likened to broadening a width of the highway for mobile data transmission from four lanes to 10 lanes. It will help full browsing take off," Cho said.

Date Posted: 3/12/2007