Telecom companies to jointly set up WiFi networks

The wireless Internet connection through WiFi networks in public places is set to improve following joint efforts from the nation’s three telecommunication companies to set up more networks.

Industry sources on Monday said the trio ― SK Telecom, KT Corp. and LG Uplus ― has already reached a consensus on the need to jointly establish networks at city halls, airports, train stations and government agencies, where customers have frequently complained of poor connections.

Users can only connect their devices to the internet when they are within range of a functioning wireless network.

The joint effort would ease competition and also cut costs for mobile carriers who would not have to set up networks in overlapping areas.

Once these networks are put in place, users would be able to log on to the Internet regardless of which carrier they use.

But the details still need to be ironed out, according to the three companies.

“We have yet to decide on where, when and how we will go about with this joint project,” said one KT official.

But he added that it would be a matter of time before a schedule is fixed.

KT currently operates WiFi networks in 57,000 venues nationwide, while SK Telecom has 38,000 and LG Uplus around 10,000.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)