Korean communications provider SK Telecom held a LTE network demonstration at its Bundang Building's LTE Test-bed and unveiled its LTE plans. During the demonstration, the company compared speeds of LTE and WCDMA; showcased LTE-based 3D video streaming and high definition video content download/ streaming; and demonstrated a high definition video call between two handsets, one located in a moving bus and the other in the building. SK Telecom plans to introduce LTE services in July this year, beginning in capital Seoul and then to 22 other cities. The LTE service will be expanded to 82 cities in 2013 and the network will then also be upgraded to LTE-A.
First, SK Telecom will adopt its own cloud-based network technology named Smart Cloud Access Network (SCAN) to set up its LTE network. With SCAN, SK Telecom successfully separated Digital Unit (DU) and Radio Unit (RU), the two main components of a base station. DUs will be stored together in one area, while Remote Radio Units (RRU) - along with the antenna - will be set up in various locations. Second, the company announced early application of Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technology to its LTE network. CoMP will prevent base station interference and abrupt call disconnections in coverage boundary areas by enhancing signal strength. Third, SK Telecom will pursue early development of LTE femtocells to enhance underground and indoor coverage of its LTE networks. 3G femtocells are currently being applied to the company's networks to improve voice and data quality. Lastly, SK Telecom will provide broad coverage from the early stage of LTE roll-out by using widespread 2G repeaters as it plans to provide LTE service in the 800 MHz frequency band, which it used for 2G (CDMA) service.
SK Telecom plans to launch LTE data modem handsets in July this year and expand its LTE handset line-up to smartphones and tablet PCs within the second half of 2011. Content consumption, which is currently focused on music, is expected to expand to video. With LTE, the company will be able to provide smooth download of high definition VoD and seamless streaming services. Moreover, video consumption is expected to switch from 400-500 MB standard-definition (SD) video to 700-900 MB high definition (HD) video content. SK Telecom further plans to offer high quality video calling services, improving the existing 64 Kbps service to 500 Kbps. The service will be available as early as second half of 2011. The company will also launch an upgraded version of its T Map service, through which customers are given much more detailed and precise maps and photos of nearby trade areas.
