By Kim Yoo-chul
SK Telecom has vowed to shift its key business focus to developing a mobile operating platform to ultimately compete with Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems (OS).
SKT chief executive Jung Man-won said Monday the carrier will develop its own OS based on the open-source Linux-based new mobile operating system.
"Although SKT has not so far tried to develop an OS like iOS and Android, we have chosen to find the next best alternative," Jung told reporters at an event to open a laboratory on the campus of Seoul National University (SNU).
``Several European mobile carries such as Telefonica are planning to develop a Linux-based new mobile OS and China Mobile has been in talks to create an Android-plus OS. SK will participate in an effort to make a new mobile OS,’’ said the chief executive.
``It is free to use Google’s Android OS as Google wants to embed its mapping and other service platforms into the system. SK Telecom needs to have similar but independent one to provide self-developed service platforms without charge,’’ Jung said.
As an initial step, the chief executive said SK was planning to invest 1 trillion won ($890 million) over the next three years, with the OS development plan being included.
Under the latest plan, SK Telecom will open up its platforms to various third-party developers, making it possible to build more content, services and applications.
SK Telecom will encourage developers to create more customized content by using its platform, an SKT official said.
Separately, SK Telecom will introduce Samsung Electronics’ first tablet-style computer, the Galaxy Tab, next month.
``Both Wi-Fi and 3GS models will be made available domestically,” the SKT CEO said.
Samsung Electronics earlier delayed the official launch of the Galaxy Tab in Korea by insisting that it needs to be equipped with better domestic applications.
Shin Young-june, a senior Samsung Electronics spokesman, said the company will hold a press event to unveil the Tab next week.
KT, SKT’s rival, is set to sell Apple’s iPad from November with both Wi-Fi and 3GS models available, according to KT officials.