Cheaper mobile video calls by KTF

The age of affordable, mobile video phone calls is almost here ― or so says service providers.
KTF Co., the second-largest mobile service provider in Korea, today will launch its new brand of high-speed service, called “Show.” The new service includes video calling and multimedia through faster connectivity at lower cost, using a technology called high speed download packet access, or HSDPA.
KTF chief executive Cho Young-chu said he expects 5 million HSDPA users this year, 2.7 million of them at KTF.
SK Telecom, the No.1 mobile service firm, will also start HSDPA service soon. SK was planning to wait three months, but suddenly announced last week that it would move up introduction of its service.
HSDPA service is a third-generation service, or “3G.” Current services are mainly second generation, or 2G. SK holds slightly more than 50 percent of the 2G market, followed by KTF at 32 percent and LG Telecom. The former two carriers began to test 3G services in the middle of last year, but they were restricted to certain areas.
Mr. Cho said that affordable 3G service will open a new paradigm in mobile communications. “Handset prices may be slightly more expensive at first because they support more multimedia functions, but they will continue to go down and become more affordable,” he said.
About 10 handsets, some being released today, will go on sale in the first half of the year, with an additional 20 to come in the second half. The handsets are in the 400,000-won ($427) range, but longtime KTF users might find one for 300,000 won.
A variety of 25 payment packages are available for those who subscribe to Show, which includes automatic global roaming with service in 100 countries. The cost of video telephony has been slashed from 100 won per 10 seconds to 36 won. Video on demand prices have also been cut in half, and wireless data costs will be 50 percent off during the morning commute from 5 to 9 a.m.

By Wohn Dong-hee Staff Writer [wohn@joongang.co.kr]