Archive for the 'Technology' Category

Huawei 3G Cell Phones in DPRK

Published
by
DarkSoju
on February 6, 2009
in Technology
. 0 Comments
Huawei 3G Phone

Huawei 3G Phone

It looks like Orascom Telecom is using localized Korean versions of 3G phones from China’s Huawei.  According to this article, the service has attracted 6,000 applications in 2 weeks.  There is no mention of the approval process.

In addition to the expected calling charges, the handsets will run around $600USD.

“The price is quite high,” said Naguib Sawiris, Chairman of Orascom Telecom. “The government has put a big tax on handsets and it’s making it difficult for everyone to participate but we are having negotiations with the government to reduce that.”

There is no mention of the data services that will be available.  Certainly, much of the appeal to go to an advanced 3G network is lost when there are no data services.  But, apparently, there will be all the tools and goodies for officials to eavesdrop on calls - perhaps that’s the real appeal for this network from the government’s perspective.

3G Launches in Pyongyang

Published
by
DarkSoju
on December 15, 2008
in Pyongyang and Technology
. 0 Comments

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.