SK Telecom unveils two smartphones in one device

Starting today, SK Telecom customers will be able to use two mobile phone numbers and two operating systems with one smartphone.

The nation’s top mobile carrier yesterday said it will launch the T Persona Premium service and device that allows separate personal and business modes. It is an upgrade of the T Persona Standard launched last October.

SK Telecom said it joined with global software and solutions provider Red Bend Software to offer the T Persona Premium.

People who use their personal smartphones for business are increasingly concerned about privacy and security breaches.

The T Persona Standard provides a separate space and strengthened security for business use.

It has been used by employees of Korea Exchange Bank and Ildong Pharmaceuticals as it is less expensive for companies than providing corporate smartphones.

T Persona Premium uses two independent operating systems to separate personal and business data, and requires two mobile phone numbers.

However, since the software solution supporting two operating systems has to be imbedded in the smartphone, the service will only be available on LG Electronics’ LG-F350ST smartphone, which is available exclusively through SK Telecom.

“Corporate security is essential, but employee satisfaction is also important,” said Lee Myung-geun, head of the corporate business team of SK Telecom. “It is not easy to fulfill both while encouraging employees to use their personal smartphones for business instead of supplying corporate smartphones. SK Telecom provides a solution that satisfies corporations’ security requirements and employees’ privacy concerns through the partnership with Red Bend Software.”

“The Red Bend Software provided a mobile work environment that respects personal privacy through cooperation with SK Telecom,” said Seo Jang-won, country manager of Red Bend Software’s Korea office.

“T Persona Premium will become the first service that satisfies users’ urges to use mobile security features more conveniently and safely in the complex mobile environment.”

Users must purchase the LG smartphone and subscribe to the T Persona Premium Package for 6,000 won ($5.86) per month to have two mobile phone numbers.

BY KIM JUNG-YOON [kjy@joongang.co.kr]