SK Telecom has selected Samsung, LG-Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks to supply equipment to build its next-generation network technology.
The South Korean mobile carrier said the technology, also known as long-term evolution (LTE), will help it meet the growth in demand for wireless data services.
The company said it plans to launch LTE-compatible devices this year.
SK Telecom also said it will release smartphones and tablet computers during the first half of this year.
The company plans to begin providing commercial LTE services in Seoul by July 2011. The service is expected to become nationwide by 2013.
Network CIC of SK Telecom president and head Bae Joon-Dong said the company is pleased with the development.
Joon-Dong said, "As we begin this journey in the evolution of our wireless network, we are delighted to partner with top LTE equipment suppliers to build our 4G network."
