KT, Leading Korean Internet Popularization, Unveils New Concept GiGA Wi with 'Speed X Space'

Over 9 Million High-Speed Internet Subscribers
Launch of New Concept GiGA Wi 3 Models

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] KT, which has led the popularization of the internet in South Korea, is launching a new concept internet service that eliminates cables in the untact (non-face-to-face) era. This marks a new paradigm 26 years after the first commercial internet service was launched in 1994 under the name KORNET with a speed of 9.6Kbps. Notably, KT has shifted focus from the traditional 'speed'-centered paradigm to emphasize 'coverage,' ensuring seamless use anywhere inside the home. Through this, KT aims to become the number one telecommunications provider offering the world's best internet service.

◆ Launch of Three GiGA Wi Services = On the morning of the 22nd, KT held a press conference at KT Square in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, announcing plans to launch three types of internet services called 'GiGA WiㆍGiGA Wide WiFi.' This service is characterized by being the industry's first to combine wireless speed (WiFi) with the concept of spatial coverage (Wide), inspired by the recent surge in demand for WiFi-connected devices and high-definition content usage at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

'GiGA Wi Internet' is a service that automatically connects to the optimal WiFi within the home without interruption based on the customer's location, using two WiFi networks. 'GiGA Wi Single TV' is a product targeting single-person households, released in two versions: Basic and Essence, offering 229 and 250 channels respectively. Lastly, 'GiGA Wi Single Eyes' for small business (SOHO) customers provides internet connection services along with GiGA Eyes, a video security CCTV system.

Before launching the service, KT noted that recently, devices used inside homes have shifted from fixed devices like desktops to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, with internet access occurring in multiple spaces. According to KT's internal survey, internet access inside homes is 70% wireless and 30% wired, with wireless usage being approximately 2.3 times higher.

However, for the single service, only one device can connect to WiFi simultaneously. If additional device services are used, up to two wireless lines can be utilized. KT aims to expand the proportion of GiGA Wi Internet subscribers to 50% of all new internet subscribers by 2022. By the end of 2022, KT plans to achieve a cumulative subscriber base of one million.

◆ Ultra-high-speed Internet Subscribers Surpass 9 Million = KT reached 9 million ultra-high-speed internet subscribers as of the 31st of last month. Since launching the Megapass brand in 2000, KT has maintained its position as the number one internet provider. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'Wired Communication Service Statistics,' as of the end of April, there are 22.05 million ultra-high-speed internet subscribers in South Korea. KT holds a market share of 40.8%, followed by SK Broadband (25.7%) and LG Uplus (19.8%).

KT's ultra-high-speed internet service has evolved from initial modem services through ISDN (1997), ADSL (1999), VDSL (2002), to GiGA Internet (2014) and 10 GiGA Internet (2018), contributing to South Korea's status as a telecommunications powerhouse. Notably, in October 2014, KT made history by announcing the nationwide commercialization of GiGA Internet, the first of its kind in the country. In November 2018, KT succeeded in commercializing 10 GiGA Internet, which is ten times faster than GiGA Internet, also a domestic first.

Lee Seong-hwan, Executive Director of KT's 5G and GiGA Business Division, stated, "As South Korea's number one internet provider, we will continue to offer innovative services that enrich customers' lives by moving beyond the speed-centered WiFi paradigm to GiGA Wi, which encompasses both speed and coverage, in line with changing customer lifestyles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.