A new service has become available that allows subscribers to use an unlimited volume of wireless data anywhere in the country by using their mobile phones through the 3G wireless telecom network, as well as the Wi-Fi network.

KT (Lee Seok-chae, Chairman, www.kt.com), which is creating a “Mobile Wonderland” based on ample fixed-line and wireless total networks, said on September 9 that it will begin to offer “unlimited 3G data service” beginning September 10. The new service will allow KT subscribers to use unlimited wireless data, while freely accessing Wi-Fi and 3G (WCDMA) without limits.

KT had already been providing virtually “limitless data” service through ample free 3G data volume, monthly carryover of data, and excellent Wi-Fi networks. The company decided to introduce the new service to allow its customers to access the network anytime anywhere, and to use an unlimited volume of wireless data, as the subscribers using smartphones have grown faster than expected throughout diverse social classes and generation and region, and Tablet PCs, including Identity Tab, have been launched en masse, the company has decided to introduce “unlimited 3G data service.”

The “unlimited 3G data service” is provided automatically without a special subscription process to subscribers, who signed up for, among the i-type fixed-amount fee policy subscribers, four types of rate policies entailing monthly fee of 55,000 won or more, including i-Value (55,000 won), i-Medium (65,000 won), i-Special (79,000 won), and i-Premium (95,000 won), which are mostly subscribed by customers who use heavy volume of wireless data.

As such, heavy data users will be allowed to use the wireless internet freely without the burden of extra fees through the “unlimited 3G data service” (including tendering). Customers, who use small volumes of data, can use wireless internet in a frugal fashion without the expiry of data service period through monthly carryovers of data service, which is available only at KT among the Korea telecom carriers.

Also, a user can access the internet using 3G networks when using low-volume data services such as web surfing or messengers, while on the move, or when no Wi-Fi service is available. When downloading large-volume applications or enjoying VOD/MOD, for which data transmission speed is critical, the user can take advantage of high quality “KT Olleh Wi-Fi,” which is very convenient and efficient to use.

KT expects that the introduction of the “unlimited 3G data service” will allow its customers to use world-best competitiveness of its 3W network, which will lead to the accelerated expansion of smartphone service subscribers, and sales growth in data service, while consolidating its leadership in the wireless data market.

Also, the company plans to continue to reinforce its Wi-Fi network, which is most favored by customers using wireless data service, and expand Olleh KT Wi-Fi zones, which already topped 35,000 locations nationwide, to 40,000 by year’s end, and 100,000 next year.  Moreover, the company also plans to expand the scope of its WiBro service, which can be used as “mobile Wi-Fi,” to include five metropolitan cities, and Gyeongbu, Jungbu, Honam and Yeongdong expressways, beginning in October, in addition to the Seoul metropolitan region, and further expand the service areas to 84 cities nationwide beginning in March next year. Hence, the company expects it can adequately accommodate the growing network load in tune with the growth in the number of its unlimited data service users.

Meanwhile, KT plans to put in place a measure to temporarily suspend QoS by certain heavy data users in the event of a network overload, a minimum measure designed to ensure that more customers can benefit from unlimited 3G data service, while enabling them to enjoy stable network services.

However, KT has already continued to expand its Wi-Fi and WiBro networks in areas entailing heavy data traffic, and plans to expand the capacity of its 3G networks. As such, there is little chance of network overload or suspension of QoS. Information on possible suspension of QoS can be gained at the Show homepage (www.show.co.kr)

Also, unlimited data volume will be available for tethering services, but OPMD (Show Data Sharing) service is accessible within the available volume of existing wireless data service, with 51.2 won charged per 1 MB of data in the event of usage in excess of that volume.

Kang Kuk-hyun, executive director in charge of marketing strategy for individual customers at KT, said, “The provision of the unlimited 3G data service allows customers to use world-best grade wireless internet without a big burden by choosing a network suitable according to their respective needs and service conditions anytime, anywhere,” adding, “Going forward, we will continue to provide the innovative services that customers want.”

■ Rate policies eligible for unlimited data service and standards for use

※ i-Phone lifetime rate policy also provides the same benefits as lifetime-Value/Medium/Special/Premium rate policies.
※ Voice service for i-Premium (95,000 won) is unlimited within fixed-line and wireless networks, and is offered for free for up to 800 minutes outside the networks.

▶ Unlimited data service: Unlimited data service is available irrespective of both 3G (WCDMA) network and Wi-Fi network
-  Network management designed to ensure stability of calls
 . When no overload occurs in 3G (WCDMA) network: unlimited volume of service provided
. When overload occurs in 3G (WCDMA) network: QoS is restricted to certain customers

(However, QoS is available without limits on Wi-Fi network)

. Standard daily volume of 3G (WCDMA) data use for respective rate policies

. Service subject to control: VOD/MOD download and streaming, etc.
. Available service: web surfing, mail synchronization, messenger service, etc.

- OPMD (Show Data Sharing) service is accessible within the following scope (the available volume of existing wireless data service), with 0.025 won /0.5KB charged in the event of usage in excess of that volume.