Well, today’s the day - Orascom Telecom is to launch a 3G mobile telephone network today in Pyongyang.  That is despite the fact that cell phones are still technically banned in the country and also despite the fact that the Dear Leader is said to be recovering from a reported stoke.

As you may recall, having cell phones in North Korea is not new as they have had GSM service in operation from 2002 to 2004.  In May 2004, cell phone use was banned due to its connection to a an apparent assassination attempt on Kim Jong-il at a train station in Ryongchon.

The 25-year-license to operate in the reclusive state was granted to Orascom subsidiary CHEO Technology JV Co., which is 75 percent owned by the Egyptian telecommunications firm. The remaining stake is held by state-owned Korea Post and Telecommunications Corp.