Telecommunications markets, industry, and infrastructure in Korea

Following the successful deployment of basic telecommunications networks and services in the 1970s and 1980s, Korea's telecommunications sector has undergone significant environmental and technical changes. Among these are the introduction of competition in the telecommunications market, the allowance of foreign ownership of telecommunication services, and the deployment of new networks and services, all within a new legal framework. As demands for more diversified and high-quality telecommunications increase, Korea is now preparing for a major communication infrastructure that can serve as a common network foundation. Named the Korea Information Infrastructure, it is planned to provide a new network foundation that will serve as the core of the information society in the 21st century. This article describes the current status of and future perspectives on the Korean telecommunications markets, industry, and infrastructure.