The Korean Communications Commission is considering getting rid of WIPI (Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability) and that could be the beginning of iphones in Korea, something at least one blog commentator would enjoy since it would mean an end to some of the most onerous “indefensible trading practices” in Korea.
As for now, KTF is no fun.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
This anonymous guy has it so right. WIPI may — may — have been a good idea in 1998, 2000, or even as late as 2003, but technology moves forward too quickly to be subjected to mandatory standards that aren’t necessary for safety or basic compatibility. WIPI was actually an enforced incompatibility designed to lock out foreign competition, and froze the Korean mobile Internet into the best technology available in 2001. We’ve missed out on a lot of developments because of it.
Look for Blackberry, iPhone, and a variety of imported phones in the market by Christmas. Do you like the large Nokia “candy-bar” style of phone prevalent in Europe? I do. Soon you can get one. Frankly, I want one of each — there’s a reason to like Blackberry, iPhone, and a regular mobile.
Other reforms I’d like to see include dropping SEED encryption in favor of 128-bit SSL (even Microsoft wants to get away from ActiveX), and the launch of MVNOs or new mobile networks in Korea. How about a mobile phone that just makes phone calls, but costs $10 for the phone and a much lower per-minute rate because the carrier isn’t spending on an expensive whizbang all-services network?
Come to think of it, that’s where LG Telecom is heading.
Oh yes, and if mandatory identification is required to use Internet services, the government must mandate and enforce the use of authentication systems that recognize the foreigners’ registration numbers that the government issues to non-citizen residents of Korea. I’m sick and tired of having to jump through my own butthole to use Internet services.
You can do that? You may be less in need of exercise than appearances seem to indicate.
Well Brendon, I, for one, will not go there.
…butt [sic] IHBB might. That setup is a total gift to him.
So we are all clear that if it weren’t for Brendan jumping through his own butthole, no-one would?
F*ck, I hate it when I misspell a person’s name.
I’ve registered online with the following sites with my own ARC Number: Megabox Cinemas, Kyobo Books, and GOM TV. I haven’t tried any other sites lately… anyone else successfully registered at a popular site without squeezing themselves through their own anus?
Hmm. I wonder if the registration number I was issued in 1999 or 2000 (can’t remember) might be from a bad batch…
My ARC number is recent (from June). I’ve just started trying to sign up on some sites. So far I have successfully signed up on GMarket and GiNi (car navigation) sites with no hassles. I got a chuckle out of the GMarket site – they were so helpful and provided an English language registration page, but required me to click “I Agree” to three seperate terms and conditions which were entirely in Korean.
More surprising is that I’ve successfully USED both sites, to order seasons 2 and 3 of Prison Break, and to upgrade the maps/OS on the car navi system. GMarket was available mostly in English, GiNi OTOH was Korean only… fun to use with my dictionary at my side.
Seems like a good time to ask: I’m either going to go with KTF (I-plug) or SK (T-login) for roaming internet access. Any opinions as to which is better? Tanks.
I’ve used my 외국인등록번호 to register at multiple sites without problem. Some sites took it the same as a 주민등록번호 and other sites directed me to a special page for foreigner registration. I’ve come across a few sites here and there that won’t allow foreigner registration at all, like for the Happy Point Bonus Card.
Die WIPI! Die you Son of a bitch DIE!
Active – X too!!!!
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