For the first time in the world, digital optical repeaters will be used to provide mobile communications services. The new repeaters are expected to help the operator reduce costs, improve call quality and secure the base technology necessary to build networks for IMT-2000, the 3rd generation mobile services.

SK Telecom said that it would start using digital optical repeaters it had developed along with Haitai Electronics, Fine Digital and SoliTech(?) from March 20 after conducting test operation.

Since the repeaters receive digitized data via optical cables from the base stations, the data loss will be minimal and long-distance data transmission will become easier, the company says. Moreover, the new repeaters allow more stabilized and efficient service delivery because one optical cable can connect to up to 12 repeaters.

In addition, the new repeaters can be controlled at remote places using software and substitute for the base stations in adjusting the allocated frequencies, monitoring call quality and temporarily suspending operation, allowing the operator to save up to 30-40% in operational costs.

SK Telecom executive Ju Sik Lee says, ?The analogue optical repeaters we are currently using have relatively great data loss rates and allow one optical cable to connect to only one repeater,? and stressed ?the development of a new system that allows optical transmission of digitized data from the base station to the repeaters is unprecedented.

The new repeaters will be incorporated into the networks for IMT-2000, both synchronous and asynchronous. The company expects that the development of digital optical repeaters for IMT-2000 will be completed before the end of this year.

A total of 54 digital repeaters will be installed in six areas including the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Kangwon Province and Chungchung Province. SK Telecom says it will continue to install new repeaters especially in the areas where the installation of the base station is not easy.