2 Posts about 'mobile VoIP'
SKT’s breakthrough for data business leadership :: 2010/07/17 18:18
On 14th July, SK Telecom announced new policies regarding unlimited data plans and mobile VoIP. 
SKT’s CEO is announcing several changes regarding their service at SKT's headquarter building.Many smart-phone users have complained SKT’s operational directions for several years and praised KT by the reason that KT tries a lot of innovations, including launch of iPhone in Korea and offering of their Wi-Fi network to KT’s users. In order to break the prejudice, SK Telecom tried to change many small things. For instance, in January 2010, SK Telecom announced that they would install Wi-Fi network and open the netwok to all people, including SK Telecom’s subscribers and competitors’ subscribers. However, these small tries were not able to change the negative atmosphere surrounding SK Telecom among smart-phone users.This time, SK Telecom made a big decision. SK Telecom decided to allow customers use their 3G mobile network (WCDMA) in case that customers subscribe price plans which monthly fee are over 55,000 won - around 50 USD. SKT’s new decision created a sensation among Korean smart-phone users. At many online communities regarding smart-phone, many people acclaimed SK Telecom’s new decision. Globally, most of mobile operators are reluctant to provide unlimited data plans because this plans might cause severe overloads on their mobile networks. Before SKT’s decision, all Korean mobile operators also had policies that make customers use mobile data services within limited network traffics. LG U+ (former LG Telecom) has provided monthly amount of data traffic the most aggressively. KT has supplemented customers’ data usages with their Wi-Fi network and is maintaining a policy to use both 3G mobile network and Wi-Fi network in order to meet their customers’ data usage needs. In early this year, SK Telecom also seemed to pursue a similar strategy to utilize both 3G network and Wi-Fi network. However, SK Telecom seems to turn their direction of strategy completely with this week’s announcement. I think that SKT’s new strategic direction will make its competitors such as KT and LG U+ be worried about their strategies about mobile data services. I think that it is very hard for KT to make similar strategies, because KT does not have sufficient network capacity to cover their all subscribers’ usage. Reactions of KT and LG U+ will be very interesting point in the half of this year.As well as unlimited usage of 3G mobile network, SK Telecom allowed mobile VoIP on WCDMA network. This change is evaluated as an innovative decision. Because allowing mobile VoIP might cause cannibalization to SK Telecom’s voice revenue. Since KT launched their new brand for 3G service in March of 2007, SK Telecom has maintained defensive stances regarding disruptive services. Many people criticized SKT’s defensive strategies. However, I think SK Telecom might get out of the passive images by this new plan about mobile VoIP. In addition, Korean people seem to be able to use Skype or Google Voice on their smart-phones and save their communication costs. I hope SK Telecom’s changes can become an inflection point of evolution and development of Korean mobile industry. As many people use mobile data services freely, more innovative mobile data services can appear in this dynamic market.
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The First WiFi/Cellular Dual-mode Phone in Korea :: 2007/10/16 23:04
Samsung Networks launched a new service which offers both VoIP and cellular service with a handset. If a guy buys a smartphone of Samsung Electronics (SCH-M620) and subscribes this service, he can use VoIP service in WiFi hotspots of Samsung Networks and use usual celluar service of SK Telecom in other areas. SCH-M620
Mobile VoIP is usually recognized as a killer of mobile operators. However, WiFi/Cellular Dual-mode VoIP service is not. SK Telecom, the largest mobile operator in Korea, recognizes this service as a new opportunity. Although SK Telecom has about 50% market share of mobile communication in Korea, the customer base consists of individual person. SK Telecom may expect to get corporate customers using Wi-Fi/Cellular Dual-mode VoIP serivce.
Samsung Networks has acquired many corporate customers with fixed VoIP service. With the converged service, it is expected for Samsung Networks to expand its business area to mobile VoIP and attract more corporate customers.
A few days ago, KT, the largest korean fixed communication company (PSTN and broadband), announced that it will start fixed VoIP service. KT might feel strong threat from the growth of many VoIP operators.
I think interesting competition among communication companies will be initiated by VoIP. Someone who uses VoIP as an effective weapon will be sure to win the game in the communication market.
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