The unlikely story of advanced 3G cellular service in the world's most tightly controlled and secretive country has turned another chapter with the start of network trials. Cellular carrier Orascom said on Monday that it has completed the first 3G call on a WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) trial network in North Korea, and is working towards a commercial launch there later this year. Earlier this year, a 25-year exclusive license to offer 3G cellular service in the country had been awarded to CHEO Technology, a joint venture in which Orascom holds a 75 percent stake and Korea Post and Telecommunications holds the remaining 25 percent. A full commercial service is scheduled to begin in the second half of the year, Orascom said.

View: InfoWorld


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Quote this comment Reply to this comment #1 Posted by Airlink on 21 May 2008 - 01:33
Sole client: Kim Jone Crazy.
(3 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #2 Posted by dagamer34 on 21 May 2008 - 01:43
At this point, North Korea will have full 3G coverage before we do.
Quote this comment #2.1 Posted by PermaSt0ne on 21 May 2008 - 04:02
1) it's much smaller than the US
2) kind of helps when you have a DICTATOR running everything. none of those annoying "laws" to get in the way
Quote this comment #2.2 Posted by noPCtoday on 21 May 2008 - 05:32
(PermaSt0ne said @ #2.1)
1) it's much smaller than the US
2) kind of helps when you have a DICTATOR running everything. none of those annoying "laws" to get in the way

3) AT&T sucks.
Quote this comment #2.3 Posted by Hak Foo on 21 May 2008 - 06:03
(PermaSt0ne said @ #2.1)
1) it's much smaller than the US
2) kind of helps when you have a DICTATOR running everything. none of those annoying "laws" to get in the way


Also, the monopoly approach helps too.

Having to cover Manhattan six times (once per network) diverts resources that could be applied to expanding coverage.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #3 Posted by n_K on 21 May 2008 - 10:52
Haha, now they will be able to remote-control inter-oceanic ballistic missiles using full-speed 3G internets, oh yay!
Quote this comment #3.1 Posted by El Sid on 21 May 2008 - 11:23
Wow, a North Korea Warmonger joke, never heard one of them before
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #4 Posted by X'tyfe on 21 May 2008 - 15:41
this is a pretty big deal. the country is decades behind the rest of the world as far as technology
Quote this comment #4.1 Posted by tiagosilva29 on 21 May 2008 - 22:55
North Korea is really a country of extremes.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #5 Posted by chilliadus on 21 May 2008 - 20:19
If you put the matter on the perspective of being able (theoretically) to monitor current/potential "harmful elements of society", that's not so surprising after all.
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