KTF tests global webcam calls

HANOVER, Germany ― Mobile communication technology reached new heights with a recent test of international webcam conversations using mobile phones. KTF tested the call between Korea and Germany by connecting its High Speed Downlink Packet Access or HSDPA network with Germany’s largest mobile communication company T-Mobile’s Wideband Code Division Multiple Access or W-CDMA network. The test took place Friday ― the day Korea lost to Switzerland in the World Cup. The HSDPA system is a 3.5-generation mobile technology, which is a level higher than third generation W-CDMA. The technology allows high-speed transfers of data, which makes webcam conversations possible. “We were worried about the test since Germany’s mobile base station is somewhat less advanced and the phone was newly developed,” said Oh Young-ho of KTF. “The test, however, was a success,” he added. Although the picture quality is still at an awkward stage, the call connected vehicles traveling at 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour in Seoul and Germany. The service not only provides webcam conversation but users can also access wireless Internet while overseas. KTF plans to expand its roaming service to an additional 20 countries by the end of this year. By next year, users will be able to access the service in 90 countries after a roaming system is established in countries that now use a Global System for Mobile Communication. The mobile phones used for the international calls were developed by Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Samsung Electronics’ model SPH-W2100, which is a slim phone, also has other functions such as digital multimedia broadcasting. The monitors on LG’s LGP-KH1000 phone can be turned sideways to better see the person making the webcam call. The phone also has a blue tooth function. by Hong Seung-il