LG U+ strives to be `first mover` of LTE standard

○ First mover in 4G wireless communications

LG U+ Vice Chairman Lee Sang-chul said, "When the long-term technology evolution network is built by the end of this year in 84 cities and eight counties nationwide, people can use the LTE network in 94 percent of the country`s land. We will increase coverage to 100 percent by the end of March next year.”

Long-term technology evolution, or LTE, is more than five times faster that of the 3G network used by most mobile phone users nationwide. A next-generation communication network, LTE also carries far more data than 3G. Users can play the popular online game Starcraft and enjoy a high-definition video call on mobile phones.

Top telecom service provider SK Telecom will enable users of LG`s LTE in 95 percent of the country by April next year.

From next year`s second half, LG will start voice-over LTE, or VoLTE, that enables voice calls through LTE. Other telecom operators use LTE for data transmission but provide 3G service for voice calls. The provision of both services means users can enjoy fast Internet and make phone calls at the same time.

Though related technologies exist, the service has yet to be introduced across the world. U.S. telecom operator Verizon and Japan`s NTT DoCoMo are weighing whether to introduce the service.

If LG creates a strong foothold as the first mover in LTE, it will likely gain an advantageous position in getting related mobile phones from their manufacturers to be supplied to consumers. This is because mobile phone manufacturers can use LG as a test bed for the newest LTE phones.

○ Innovating like Google and Apple

After talks with Google Chairman Eric Schmidt on Nov. 7, LG Vice Chairman Lee said, "We will make an exclusive YouTube channel for Internet TVs from January next year."

YouTube has videos of under 30 minutes with low-definition displays. Google will exclusively provide HD videos like those seen on TVs to LG.

Lee said, "The plan is intended to enhance our status as a platform company that goes beyond the limits of a telecom operator."

"Users can access information on general restaurants through smartphones, but from now on, they can access data on smaller but nicer restaurants in the closest area. LG U+ will provide personalized and converged services."