SK Telecom today announced that it developed and commercialized a new technology called 2G/3G over LTE to offer 2G and 3G services through LTE network for the first time in the world.

SK Telecom plans to apply the technology to 600 base stations by 2016.

The telecom innovation enhances the stability of 2G / 3G networks by utilizing LTE network as backhaul instead of fixed-line 2G / 3G infrastructure. Even when the fixed-line 2G / 3G infrastructure is damaged, the company will still be able to provide its 2G / 3G customers with a similar quality of mobile service by using its LTE network.

LTE network can replace one of the two fiber-optic transmission networks in the redundancy network structure, thus enhancing the operator’s network building and operating efficiency. Korean mobile carriers usually build a mobile network with structural redundancy to prepare against emergencies to provide quality service at all times.

The technology can be used by mobile carriers worldwide who lack fixed-line infrastructure.

The company developed the technology after resolving the challenge of connecting 2G / 3G voice network to its data-only LTE network. 2G/3G over LTE is notable because mobile operators can replace fixed-line infrastructure of previous generations of mobile communication systems with next-generation wireless networks.

Choi Seung-won, senior vice president and head of Network Engineering Office, said: “With 2G/3G over LTE, SK Telecom’s 2G and 3G customers will be able to experience a stable and seamless service.”

Baburajan K
[email protected]