SK Telecom Implements HetNet Integration for 3G + LTE + Wi-Fi

SK Telecom is implementing Heterogeneous Network Integration technology that enables simultaneous use of different types of networks including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi.


The technology seamlessly integrates two heterogeneous networks -- i.e. 3G and Wi-Fi, or LTE and Wi-Fi -- to provide a unified data service, the speed of which is the sum of two network speeds.


SK Telecom, which claims to be the first carrier in the world to implement this technology, said it is able to deliver up to 100 Mbps.


SK Telecom plans to implement this solution to enable simultaneous use of 3G and Wi-Fi networks in the second quarter of 2012 to realize a theoretical maximum speed of 60 Mbps service and begin LTE and Wi-Fi integrated service in 2013 to offer a 100 Mbps ultra-high speed wireless Internet service.


The first smartphone supporting Heterogeneous Network Integration technology is expected to become available this year. SK Telecom expects to apply the technology to all its handsets to be launched in 2013, after conducting an analysis of consumer responses and a study on the data distribution effect.


SK Telecom also said it will push for standardization of Heterogeneous Network Integration technolgy through 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T).


SK Telecom plans to demo this technology at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2012 next month in Barcelona.
http://www.sktelecom.com