[Korea's W-CDMA spectrum awards went to SK Telecom and Korea Telecom yesterday after an 18 month battle.]

"The 18-month long battle to win IMT-2000 service licenses drew to a close yesterday with just two applicants - consortiums led by SK Telecom and Korea Telecom - given the green light to deploy W-CDMA (wideband code division multiple access) networks.

"In keeping with dominant market expectations, LG-Glocom, a consortium led by LG Electrnoics, failed to grab a spot in the lucrative next generation telecom market as a W-CDMA provider, scoring 81 points out of a possible 100, just one point below Korea Telecom IMT's score.

"As widely expected, SK IMT grabbed the number one position in the selection process with 84 points, convincing the 18-member jury it could provide the best IMT-2000 systems and services as well as technological know-how.

"... IMT-2000 is a new cellular phone technology which greatly expands the size and speed of transmissions, allowing users to receive high quality color video images.

"The service promises to provide 2Mbps transmission in stationary environment, 384 kbps for pedestrians and 144 kbps in moving vehicles.

"Due to its wide bandwidth, offers wireless multimedia services, faster mobile Internet and intranet access and e-commerce applications in addition to voice services. It would also provide seamless services between fixed and wireless networks as well as global roaming.

"Operators are aiming at commercializing the "dream" service around May, 2002, when Korea co-hosts the 2002 World Cup Games. However, industry experts predict it the service won't become a mainstream method of communication until 2005 or later.

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