SK Broadband to piggyback broadband on wireless network

SK Broadband is utilizing optic-fiber cables connecting its telecommunications base stations to bring wired broadband to areas not currently within the reach of existing services.

The company says that networks for base stations and the networks for broadband are separate, but that it has developed new technology that allows for the broadband lines to connect into the network that supports the base stations.

The technology ensures that wireless and fixed-line frequencies do not interfere with each other, which kept broadband companies from utilizing wireless networks to service fixed-line internet.

SK Broadband has been developing the technology since July after forming a tech consortium along with SK Telecom and local tech companies Deonet and Optella. Together, they made a transceiver that makes sure that the wireless and fixed-line network frequencies do not interfere with each other.

The unnamed technology is now being tested at SK Telecom's base stations and will be available for use by the end of next year.

The effort is part of a government-funded project to encourage tech companies to work with local SMEs to develop new technology, rather than working with foreign companies. The project began in July, and SK Broadband was chosen to lead the consortium.

SK Broadband currently offers a free open lab for local SMEs to test their newly-developed technologies.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]