South Korea’s KT Corp. and Intel have agreed to cooperate in wireless telecommunications, digital home networking and broadband convergence network through joint marketing and research and development efforts.
The agreement was reached during Intel Chief Executive Craig Barrett’s visit to South Korea. Among the projects slated to be carried out at the research center include Ultra Wideband (UWB) and WiMax (802.16a), Intel said in a statement. South Korea, a country of 48 million people, is the world leader in multi-user online games, helped by tens of thousands of PC salons where people can get affordable high-speed Internet access. About 65 percent of households have broadband. KT serves about half of them. KT Corp. competes with Hanaro Telecom and Korea Thrunet for high speed access. Wireless competition includes market leader SK Telecom with 17.86 million mobile subscribers, KT’s mobile unit, KTF, with 10.49 million and LG with 4.8 million subscribers. All three are looking to generate more sales from wireless data services and games. KT, the largest fixed-line, high-speed Internet service carrier in Korea, was privatized last year with operating profits growing 43 percent this year. They recently announced a 50-megabits-per-second broadband service. Korea is testing a variety of “4G” technologies. KT Corp and Hanaro Telecom are testing Navini’s Ripwave 2.3 GHz system. Intel is an investor in Navini. “South Korea is the most wired country on the planet, with cheap broadband access available almost everywhere. Unlimited broadband access starts at $25/month ( 16) for 2Mbps, 8Mbps costs around $34 ( 21) a month. More than 60 per cent of households have broadband access, and those without it can head down to one of the bangs found in every shopping mall and street. Perhaps a $300, Korean-built Outdoor Access Point with a 802.16a backbone could reach subscribers too far for VDSL service. That would help CoMeta, too. A self-contained Pronto box might include a Navini/802.16a card for the backhaul with 802.11a/g for the local area. Broadband leadership has moved to Korea. Intel must utilize their experience and expertise if it is to stay competitive.
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