February 28, 2009
Mobile phones more visible in North Korean capital
Mobile phones are becoming more visible in reclusive North Korea following the launch of a new network by telecom company Koryolink, reports the IHT.
The Koryolink system, named for an ancient Korean dynasty, started operating in December. It had more than 6,500 North Korean users as of mid-February, according to Koryolink officials.
The 3G network was initially deployed to cover Pyongyang, which has a population of more than 2 million. Plans are to expand coverage to the entire country in the next few years.
Mobile phone use in North Korea — probably the world's most tightly controlled country — comes with restrictions. Phones do not allow contact with the outside world, or with the special telephone networks that foreigners are normally permitted to use inside North Korea.
Related:
-- When using a mobile can cost your life
-- North Korean police patrol Chinese Border with cell phone detectors
-- A little light shines through North Korea's blackout
-- Links to all articles on North Korea and cellphones rounded up in textually.org.
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2009/02/022872.htm
| Tweet |
