SKT boasts emergency network tech

SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, said Tuesday it has completed the development of core technology to be deployed for nationwide emergency networks based on Long Term Evolution.

For starters, the mobile network firm said it has secured technology to design and efficiently operate the Public Safety-LTE, which will enable government agencies and rescue responders to communicate with each other during natural and man-made disasters.

“SK Telecom, the leading mobile network operator, has expertise in establishing networks,” said Park Jin-hyo, head of the firms’ network technology R&D center, at a media briefing on Monday evening in Seoul.

“The firm will contribute to the nationwide project for PS-LTE through technological innovation,” he added.

The Korean government plans to set up the PS-LTE networks across the nation by 2017 to respond to natural disasters in a well-organized manner.

The government-led project is expected to create a market worth 2 trillion won ($1.84 billion) for domestic and foreign network operators and small and medium-sized firms in Korea.

At the Monday media briefing, SK Telecom showcased some of its up-to-date technologies including a solution that enables a central rescue agency to give commands through video or voice calls on smartphones.

The company also introduced a range of network solutions including those to prevent disruptions or breakdowns of the PS-LTE and to improve indoor-area network coverage.

SKT also unveiled its plan to develop smartphones running on the 700 MHz-band emergency networks together with SMEs.

The handsets will be dust-proof, waterproof and highly impact-resistant, according to the firm.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)