Korea Telecom form Asia network

Korea Telecom form Asia network

SEOUL (Reuters): South Korean telecom giant Korea Telecom said on Tuesday it has formed an Internet network service with seven other major telecom carriers in Asia to provide direct Internet access around the region.

The seven other companies involved are Japan's KDD Corp, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, PT Indosat Tbk of Indonesia, Philippines Long Distance Telephone Co, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, the Communication Authority of Thailand and Chunghwa Telecom Co Ltd of Taiwan.

The Internet network, called AIN (Asian Internet Network), will enable Internet users to have direct access to the region's web sites.

Until now, Internet connections had to pass through the United States.

The service will cover the transmission of voice, data, video and fax communications, with its commencement set for June 15.

Korea Telecom said the Asia-oriented cyber networks will help expand the region's Internet business and provide better quality Internet services.

The full-mesh AIN network will have an initial bandwidth of 512 Kbps or higher up to 45 Mbps depending on traffic volume, Korea Telecom said in a statement.