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Korea Launches WiBro-DMB Service
[May 12, 2006]

Korea Launches WiBro-DMB Service


(Korea Times Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)By Kim Tae-gyu

A new service combining a pair of made-in-Korea technologies for mobile broadcasting and wireless Internet connectivity is set to take center stage among the global high-tech competition.

KT, the country's predominant telecom operator, and TV station KBS Thursday launched a beta service utilizing WiBro and terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB).

WiBro refers to the wireless broadband, which enables people on the road to remain connected to the Internet at the speed of current fixed-line Web access.

Users of the mixed service will be able to watch continuous terrestrial DMB mobile broadcasting by inserting a universal serial bus-type device into dedicated WiBro terminals, which will provide the Internet-on-the-move feature.

The audio-visual service powered by the converged gadgets is a substantial advance compared to that offered by the current stand-alone DMB devices as it realizes two-way applications.

Users will be able to check for background information regarding TV programs broadcast on the hybrid WiBro terminal and also replay past editions of programs on offer.

Later, KT and KBS plan to add services such as T-commerce, interactive games or quiz events as well as real-time polls.

KT expects the cocktail between the two homegrown technologies will boost the commercial viability of WiBro and terrestrial DMB, which are in their embryonic stages.

``This heralds the full-fledged advent of the convergence of services between broadcasting and telecommunications,'' KT senior vice president Hong Won-pyo said.

``This cooperation would be a win-win solution because both DMB and WiBro can gain momentum to become mainstream features both locally and globally,'' he added.

KT, the former state monopoly that was fully privatized in 2002, started WiBro pilot runs earlier this year and seeks its commercial debut here next month.

Terrestrial DMB is the perfect service for people on the go who want to watch TV programs _ easy access in open-air sites is supplemented in underground locations by relay equipment known as gap fillers.

Following its launch last December, six DMB broadcasters including KBS are currently offering seven video and 13 audio channels; data channels will be added later this year.

DMB terminals have typically been cell phones, laptops or in-car devices but these were unsuitable for interactive services since they lacked a ubiquitous high-speed Internet connection.

Experts project utilizing a WiBro connection will make the difference because the mobility-specific technology will bring an always-on connection to DMB, opening up a slew of new possibilities.

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