SEOUL, South Korea-The two largest mobile operators in Korea are considering discussions about a partnership to build a nationwide third-generation W-CDMA network, according to international press reports.
KTF Chief Executive Nam Joong-soo told reporters that KTF plans to contact SK Telecom regarding network sharing or a joint project, reports said. The two operators already offer 3G services using cdma2000 1x EV-DO technology, but both companies hold W-CDMA licenses as well.
Although the Korean government is encouraging the carriers to move forward with W-CDMA buildout plans, investors and industry watchers question the business case for having dual-technology 3G networks. The KTF proposal is seen as a compromise.
KTF is the country’s second-largest operator with more than 10 million subscribers. SK Telecom is the market leader with 32.8 million subscribers.
