North Korea has started accepting subscribers to the country’s 4G network. As early users start experiencing the blistering speed of the next-generation cellular technology, they can’t stop praising its capacity.
The Kim Jong Un-led country is one of the last countries that doesn’t have a great record at communication with almost an entire country relying on legacy networks (1G and 2G) if available at all. We recommend you read the Evolution of Mobile Technology from 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, to 6G.
However, the state has started issuing the high-speed network to the public albeit the coverage is limited. So, there is a large demography that will have to wait a bit more to get a 4G subscription.
Daily NK wrote quoting a source in the mysterious state that North Korea started “accepting subscribers for 4G cellular services.” However, much work remains to be done. 4G towers are completed in only a few areas inside the country.
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North Korea imported 4G infrastructure from China
The network requires advanced equipment and the country resorted to China from where new and used infrastructure was imported.
“Technical manuals [for 4G] came from China, too. The leading central government organizations pushing 4G services are the Cabinet and the Non-permanent Economic Development Committee, while the Information Technology Bureau issues technological guidance directives. Provincial, city, and county post offices and mobile communication centers organize the implementation of the project, with local people’s committees lending help as well,” the source said.
The authorities are plugging the launch of the high-speed broadband network advertising it as “faster than you can imagine” as it can reach underground and those places where it was not possible before. Much of the world has already reaped the benefit of it and is considering the move to 5G.
Also read: UK users had the worst 5G download speed among the best economies
Early users give their verdict
As some users had a chance to get the 4G network, they had their say on it. “People who have subscribed to the new network say the signal is really good, with no interruptions when browsing the intranet or watching shows,” the source said. However, the signal strength declines as users move far from 4G cell towers. “People with 4G devices are holding on to their 3G devices, using both phones together,” Daily NK writes quoting their unnamed source.
North Koreans though may have limited abilities to use 4G on different brands. They apparently can use the 4G network on domestically manufactured phones from Jindallae, Hwawon, Madusan, Chongsong, Chollyong, and Arirang.
The country plans to construct over 80% of planned 4G base stations by 2025.
However, few people are rushing to subscribe to 4G services, with many adopting a wait-and-see approach.
However, the trend with 5G is seen with 4G in North Korea. Many mobile users in the country are contemplating whether to buy a 4G device as affordability is a major issue. They are “ignoring” the leap as the towers are very few and the signal may deceive people when they end up being far. As North Koreans ask themselves if they should buy an expensive device to use 4G, Nokia is planning on establishing 4G LTE on the moon.
North Korea has about 26 million population about 8 million North Koreans are cell phone users though with limited connectivity that comprises basic telephony and text messaging.