KT Builds Ultra-High-Speed Communication Infrastructure on Gopado Island

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] KT has completed the construction of a high-speed communication infrastructure on Gopado Island. This is the result of the "Rural Communication Network Advancement" project led by the Ministry of Science and ICT. With the upgrade to a high-speed internet network (100Mbps class), fast and uninterrupted internet service is now possible on Gopado Island, comparable to nearby cities.

On the 8th, Cho Kyung-sik, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited Gopado Island in Seosan City, Chungcheongnam-do, the site of the rural communication network advancement project, to inspect the use of high-speed internet. He stated, "This is a very meaningful project to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, which has widened during the COVID-19 pandemic where non-face-to-face interactions have become established, and to realize an inclusive society."

Launched last year, the rural communication network advancement project aims to upgrade infrastructure by building high-speed internet networks in rural villages such as islands and remote areas lacking communication infrastructure. KT increased the capacity of microwave equipment, which wirelessly transmits data and voice on Gopado Island, by 19 times (from 32Mbps to 600Mbps), and installed seven optical distribution boxes and internet transmission equipment (OLT) to provide gigabit internet.

Until now, residents of Gopado Island could access basic internet services through low-speed networks, but faced difficulties using online classes and online video services (OTT), which have become routine since COVID-19. Previously, when the island's only branch school closed, it was difficult to conduct online classes. However, through this construction project, high-definition online classes, high-quality content, and online direct seafood transactions have become possible.

KT participated in the rural communication network advancement project and completed the construction of high-speed infrastructure in a total of 284 villages in 2020. By the end of 2021, it plans to build high-speed internet infrastructure using FTTH (fiber optic cable) in 379 villages nationwide, including 42 island locations.

Park Hyun-jin, Executive Vice President and Head of KT's Customer Strategy Division, said, “We will continue to do our best to build infrastructure so that high-speed internet services can be used anywhere nationwide.”

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