Models hold phones showcasing the new features available on LG Uplus’ new 070 Player service, Thursday. / Courtesy of LG Uplus

By Cho Mu-hyun

LG Uplus, the runner-up in the quickly expanding long-term evolution (LTE) market, released a new service for home Internet calls, Thursday.

The new service, called 070 Player, combines various new smart features and the firm’s Internet call services.

“We were the first mobile carrier to start a home Internet service,” said Kang Hyun-ku of LG Uplus’ smart home business division.

“The 070 Player continues our lead in this area, as we believe it will increase end user comfort and strengthen our competiveness.”
The new service expands communication channels of the firm’s Internet calls, previously limited to voice calls and some additional smart applications. The 070 Player adds video calls, and also enables simultaneous use of voice and audio.

“We added many features and application that centers around home use, which I believe our consumers will find satisfying. We allow up to 300 minutes of free high definition video calls monthly,” said Kang.

Four people can simultaneously communicate through voice and video calls while up to 100 people can chat together through the new software.

The quality of voice calls are enhanced as well, applying speaker dock technology for the first time in Internet technology, said Kang. The new 070 Player is also part of the company’s attempt to converge its Internet, Mobile, and IPTV (Internet protocol television) services, he added.

Unlimited access to WiFi (wireless LAN) and Mnet’s music streaming service is also given to new subscribers of the service. The new service can be used WiFi networks built by SK Telecom and KT without any additional fees.

New features aimed for home users such as “10,000 recipes” for housewives, access to 50,000 radio stations and voice recognition are part of the new service.

LG Uplus has some 2 million subscribers using its home Internet call service, and previously released its 070 service, with gadgets and a 4 inch screen provided by Samsung Electronics. The firm was the first among telecommunication companies here to start an Internet call service in 2007.

The new 070 Player is collaboration with the Suwon-based company which will provide chargers and a 5 inch screen compatible for home services. LG believes that the number of users will increase up to 2.5 million by the end of the year. Consumers can buy related devices at both LG Uplus and Samsung retail stores.

Consumers can make payments over a 36 month period.