North Korea Gets New Mobile Network

An Egyptian telecoms giant launched an advanced mobile phone network in North Korea on Monday, the latest attempt to introduce a global symbol of personal freedom into one of the world's most tightly controlled societies.
But analysts cautioned against reading too much into the widely publicized $400 million deal, first announced in January, for a third generation mobile network built by Orascom Telecom.
Orascom Telecom Chief Executive Naguib Sawiris said the company's aim was for a "network that will accommodate the 22 million people" in North Korea, adding he was "surprised and astonished by the quality" and "advancement of the Korean people," according to footage from broadcaster APTN.
It was not clear what controls, if any, would be imposed on the network, which will provide phone service and data capability in a country that has tested a nuclear device but relies on international assistance to feed its people.
A Pyongyang-based report by the Korean Central News Agency provided no details on the terms of service, the types of phones it might accommodate, or who would be able to utilize it.
The 3G network was initially deployed to cover Pyongyang, which has a population of more than 2 million, and the plan is to expand coverage to the entire country, Orascom said in a statement.
"This is not just about providing 3G mobile services. We are making history in a country that is developing and opening up in a remarkable way," Sawiris was quoted as saying.
Sawiris was clearly being feted at a high level. KCNA reported that North Korean Premier Kim Yong Il, one of the country's top officials, met the executive and his delegation and had a "friendly talk."
The announcement of the network launch comes amid lingering questions about the health of supreme leader Kim Jong Il, who is reported to be recovering from a stroke.
Andrei Lankov, a Russian expert on North Korea at Kookmin University in Seoul, noted previous "optimistic predictions" that cell phone use heralded a loosening of controls had fallen short.
"North Korea doesn't want its people to talk too much between themselves," he said.
Authorities restrict the population's access to all but officially sanctioned sources of information and Internet access is limited to top government and military officials.