[Korea's KT ICOM looking to award equipment contracts with launch of 3G trial service expected late next year.]

By Kim Deok-hyun -- "When the government awarded two business licenses for operating a third- generation (3G) mobile network last December, many observers questioned whether the two winners would be able to launch the new technology as scheduled with all its gee-whiz functions.

"Cho Young-chu, president and chief executive of KT ICOM, the 3G business unit of state-run Korea Telecom, admitted a possible delay of 3G services, but the timetable should be in line with market principles.

"The company had originally touted the planned launch in next May, but he said full-scale commercial services could be pushed back to late next year.

"The mild-mannered former technocrat opposed the government's plan to force the 3G operators to adopt dual-mode and dual-band handsets.

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