3G wireless and cdma2000 1/spl times/ evolution in Korea

The cdma2000/spl reg/ I/spl times/EV-DV system is designed to meet the ever-increasing demand for high-speed packet data transmission while providing the same level of revenue generated by conventional voice communications on existing cdma2000 1/spl times/ systems. It supports concurrent voice and high-speed data on a single cdma 1.25 MHz carrier, and offers improved flexibility for operators to manage data and voice services cost efficiently. However, the Korean market has proved that providing higher bandwidth to the user does not guarantee the success of mobile data service. Users tend not to use expensive mobile wireless data services such as video streaming, video on demand, and MP3 music download service that they feel do not provide enough justification for their costs. The problem LG Telecom faces now as a mobile operator is not only to evolve technologies that enable various services, but also to find a way to provide attractive services at reasonable prices. This article describes experiences in the wireless data market in Korea as well as the market needs and driving forces for cdma2000 1/spl times/EV-DV developments.