011-017 Available in China

SK Telecom announced on the 9th that it would launch Korea-China automatic roaming service from May, through which Korean and Chinese subscribers can make a call using their own handsets and numbers in both countries.

SK Telecom plans to expand the service to the whole China before the opening of World Cup Games after starting automatic roaming service in 7 cities including Beijing and Shanghai by cooperating with Chinese CDMA business China Unicom.

Hence, subscribers of `011 and 017, ` who visit China, are able to use their own hand sets and numbers without renting hand sets in China or preparing Subscriber Information Module (SIM) Card.

Domestic subscribers can apply for the service at local branches of SK Telecom, International Roaming Centers in Incheon and Gimhae International Airports and Leader`s Club Lounge at international airports before leaving Korea.

Moreover, SK Telecom and China Unicom decided to launch wireless Internet roaming service during the period of World Cup Games, and give a demonstration of Korea-China videophone and Video On Demand (VOD) using 3rd generation CDMA network.

Tae-Han Kim freewill@donga.com