KT unveils maritime safety services

KT Vice President Oh Sung-mok, left, a drone during a press conference at the company's office in central Seoul, Tuesday.
/ Courtesy of KT

By Yoon Sung-won

KT introduced maritime safety services based on its long-term evolution (LTE) network and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Tuesday.

Expanding its service portfolio to safety network services for both mountainous and marine areas, the telecom company said it seeks to export its technology and services to global markets.

"Our new LTE network system, that can reach up to a 200-kilometer radius, is one of the world's first," KT's network division vice president Oh Sung-mok said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. "We believe that there is a need for such technology not only in Korea but also in other countries. We will prepare for export."

The telecom company stressed that it has worked closely with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, network equipment maker Nokia and apparel company Kolon for the maritime safety services.

It has introduced the "over the horizon antenna distribution" system and "LTE Time Advance" technology to extend the coverage of maritime LTE networks from 50km to 200km.

Under collaboration with Kolon, the telecom company has developed the "IoT Life-Tech Jacket Marine," which can upgrade existing life jackets. It not only contains a floating tube but also sensors and telecom modules that collect the wearer's information such as identity, heart rate and location and send it to emergency control centers.

Meanwhile, KT released its plan to additionally establish a nationwide narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) network within this year, to strengthen safety networks and IoT services. Compared to the company's existing LTE-M network, the NB-IoT network is designed for smaller devices that require less energy and data capacity, it said.

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