KT and Nokia have completed successful tests of a new technology that can expand the range of LTE coverage from a single base station up to 120km.
The companies have trialed a new antenna technology known as 4-transmit-4-receiver (4T4R), the Korea Times said.
The technology doubles the number of antennas used in current LTE networks, a KT spokesperson told the paper.
It supports a maximum downlink rate of 100 Mbps, and could potentially be used to improve coverage in sparsely populated and geographically diverse areas, including coastal cities and remote islands.
KT and Nokia plan to collaborate on network technologies based on 4T4R, and to use the technology to help pave the way for 5G.
The development comes as KT is taking SK Telecom to court seeking an injunction on SK Telecom advertising its tri-band LTE-Advanced network.
KT is arguing that by claiming to have “commercially launched” the network when handsets supporting the technology are not commercially available, SK Telecom is deceiving consumers and distorting competition.