Phone carriers want standard connectors

Sometime in 2007, if all goes well, cell phone users will no longer have to buy new accessories like earphones or data cables when they change handsets. Yesterday the three mobile service operators in Korea ― SK Telecom, LG Telecom and KTF ― signed a memorandum of understanding to unify the interface of mobile handsets. Phone makers now use different connectors for earphones, microphones, and data and power cables. A researcher from SK Telecom said no cell phone manufacturer opposed the idea, but said negotiations will be necessary to decide which connectors to use for which external accessories. With phones now doubling as music players, cameras and other devices, that will not be a trivial task. The companies said they wanted that work completed by the end of 2006.