South Korean network operator SK Telecom and Nokia on Tuesday said they have jointly developed a backpack-size portable Long Term Evolution network system tailored for rescue operations and emergency services.

Compact enough to fit inside a backpack, the new portable LTE network system is equipped with a standalone base station as well as additional communications solutions, according to SKT.


“The portable all-in-one PS-LTE system is a ground-breaking solution that enables communication among first responders by setting up an independent LTE network when regular communication networks are disrupted by disasters,” Lee Jong-bong, SKT’s executive vice president and head of the infra division, said in a statement.

SKT and Nokia’s new network system is more advanced compared to existing portable LTE systems in the market, which consist of only a base station, and thus still need to be connected to a backhaul network to offer complete communications services, SKT said.

It is also compatible with other communications solutions such as user management programs and group messaging services, making it suitable for tailored use by public service agencies, they said.

SKT plans to conduct a trial for the portable LTE system within this year and use it to expand and improve the country’s national disaster safety wireless network and maritime communications project by 2017.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)