Convergence Service Trends of Internet Portals, Fixed and Mobile Operators in Korea

Korea has the most advanced wired and wireless networks in the world. Under the environment, convergence service trends of Internet portals, fixed and mobile operators are developing rapidly into a variety of formats.

Currently, the Korean market is witnessing many successful convergence services. For instance, Cyworld, the most popular social networking service in Korea, is converging with camera phones.

Another example is 'Gifticon' that allows users to give Starbucks coffee and others as gift to their friends via instant messenger or SMS on a mobile handset.

Korea was relatively slow in introducing IPTV, compared to other countries. However, nowadays cooperation between IPTV operators and Internet portals is occurring rapidly, releasing a variety of convergence services at a fast speed. Internet portals are offering hot keyword search as a part of IPTV service. The IPTV users can browse additional information not only with PC but also with TV.

In the overseas market, the advancement of mobile operators and handset vendors into the Internet business is being accelerated.

The telecommunications companies preparing IPTV services are considering convergence with Internet portal services. Multiplatform and convergence have become a key concern among Internet portals, operators, broadcasters, device vendors and entertainment companies.

The market environment and successful services in Korea will provide valuable lessons to all companies who are interested in convergence and multi-platform.

Who should read this report?

The report is useful for Internet portal companies, fixed and mobile operators who are engaged in convergence services or IPTV business.

The report provides valuable information for benchmarking and establishing business strategies. As an analysis of the trends in South Korea, an advanced market, this report is also helpful for handset vendors, content providers, analysts and researchers who are interested in the development of convergence services.