SK Telecom used the tail-end of 2014 to launch what it is billing as the world's first commercial tri-band LTE-Advanced network.
The operator has introduced a 300Mbps LTE-A service that combines spectrum in the 800-MHz, 1.8-GHz and 2.1-GHz bands.
As part of the upgrade SK Telecom plans to add 2.1-GHz coverage to its existing 800-MHz/1.8-GHz LTE-A network in areas where the three carriers overlap, and is planning to build more than 26,000 2.1-GHz base stations during the first quarter of 2015.
Services are being priced at the same rate as LTE. According to SK Telecom head of networks Lee Jong-bong, the company also plans to introduce new value-added services optimized to take advantage of the upgraded network.
“With the launch of the world’s first tri-band LTE-A service, we will not only provide our customers with unprecedented network speeds, but also offer differentiated and diverse mobile value-added services that meet customers’ needs and interests.” he said.
SK Telecom also launched the world's 150-MHz first dual-band LTE-A network in June 2013, and the first 225-Mbps wideband LTE-A service in June 2014. The upgrade also forms part of SK Telecom's preparations for the eventual introduction of 5G.