The number of mobile subscribers has doubled over the last twelve months in North Korea, one of the most secret and closed world. The number of mobile phone users now stands at 450,000, up 50% over the figure reported last year by the Egyptian operator Orascom Telecom, which co-manages the mobile network launched in late 2008, according to Vice Minister of Unification Jong Um-sik.
"This shows the diversification of mobile phone users, which was previously reserved for the elite," said the minister. These figures are from the Chosun Sinbo, a newspaper supporting the regime in Pyongyang and based in Tokyo, he said. But this increase does not translate into a greater openness to the outside world, noted Um Jong-sik, who said that the regime has instead tightened its control over the information after the revolts in the Middle East and Africa North.
Cell phones do not practically make or receive calls from abroad due to strict controls and limited services. 3G NETWORK SINCE 2008 Orascom had previously indicated that mobile phone subscriptions in North Korea had quadrupled in September 2009 (69 261) to September 2010 (301 199). A first mobile phone network in North Korea was launched in November 2002 but was closed without explanation, eighteen months later and the aircraft were recalled.
In December 2008, Pyongyang launched a mobile network with 3G, operated by a joint venture, which involves Orascom. The Egyptian company has also signed a 2007 agreement to invest $ 115 million (84.6 million euros) in a cement plant in North Korea. It would also be involved in the construction of a hotel of one hundred five floors in Pyongyang. 
"This shows the diversification of mobile phone users, which was previously reserved for the elite," said the minister. These figures are from the Chosun Sinbo, a newspaper supporting the regime in Pyongyang and based in Tokyo, he said. But this increase does not translate into a greater openness to the outside world, noted Um Jong-sik, who said that the regime has instead tightened its control over the information after the revolts in the Middle East and Africa North.
Cell phones do not practically make or receive calls from abroad due to strict controls and limited services. 3G NETWORK SINCE 2008 Orascom had previously indicated that mobile phone subscriptions in North Korea had quadrupled in September 2009 (69 261) to September 2010 (301 199). A first mobile phone network in North Korea was launched in November 2002 but was closed without explanation, eighteen months later and the aircraft were recalled.
In December 2008, Pyongyang launched a mobile network with 3G, operated by a joint venture, which involves Orascom. The Egyptian company has also signed a 2007 agreement to invest $ 115 million (84.6 million euros) in a cement plant in North Korea. It would also be involved in the construction of a hotel of one hundred five floors in Pyongyang.
No comments:
Post a Comment