The Korean government recently finalized spectrum allocation for WiBro (Wireless Broadband), portable Internet services that enable better internet connectivity and faster mobile data transmission. The allocated bandwidth will be assigned to three telecom carriers, such as KT, SK Telecom, and Hanarotelecom in March 2005, once the Korean government concludes reviewing licensing process.

 

The three operators will pay between 117 billion Won (US$109.7 million; US$1=1,066.2 Won) and 125.8 billion Won (US$117.9 Won) for licenses to provide Wibro services. Another bidder, Dacom, withdrew from the competition in October 2004. 

 

The government expects to roll out WiBro services by 2006, hoping the gain a subscriber base of 10 million by 2011.

 

After allocating the 2.3GHz band as a portable Internet standard earlier, Korea's Ministry of Information and Communication decided to integrate the IEEE 802.16 standard into WiBro in August 2004.