Freetel Korea Adopts Mobile Java

Sun Microsystems expects that local mobile-phone operator KT Freetel’s decision to use Sun’s Java technology for mobile data services will speed the development of the non-voice mobile-phone applications that are increasingly becoming a focus of competition. KTF’s decision follows a Korean government mandate that mobile-phone carriers use the homegrown “Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability” (WIPI) from next year for mobile Internet access and data applications.

The state-run Korean Wireless Internet Standardization Forum chose Java to serve as the core component of WIPI last year.

Mobile Java technology is quickly becoming the industry standard around the world for the mobile network applications used by virtually every major carrier in East Asia and Europe, outpacing the acceptance of U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm’s BREW platform by a significant margin. Sun officials estimate that more than 60 percent of the mobile phones made this year are Java-equipped.

“With all three of the Korean carriers now licensing Java technology for mobile data services, there will be great benefits for Korean consumers,” Juan Dewar, senior director of Sun’s consumer, mobility and strategic solutions group, told The Korea Herald.

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