Regulator set to pick 4th mobile carrier in early Dec.

Korea's communications regulator said Sunday it plans to give the go-ahead to the country's fourth mobile carrier early next month.

The Korea Communications Commission said a panel of about 20 legal, economic, accounting and technology experts will screen the applicants for the license of a fourth mobile operator till Friday before making a decision in early December.

The Korea Mobile Internet, which is supported by the Dongbu Group, officially requested a mobile service permit in late August. It failed to win a license in its two previous attempts.

Also, the Internet Space Time consortium made up of Hyundai Group, a South Korean family-run conglomerate, and small and medium businesses, is reportedly preparing to apply for a permit.

Currently, South Korea, with a population of 49 million, has three mobile operators -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. The number of registered mobile phones in the country is estimated at 52 million. (Yonhap)