Koryolink Mobile Network in North Korea Explained

Koryolink is a mobile network in North Korea that offers limited but reliable service to its subscribers. It was launched in 2008.

The network is operated by the Korean National Defense Commission, which is the country's highest decision-making body. This means the government has direct control over the network.

Koryolink's coverage is mainly limited to Pyongyang, the capital city, and a few other major urban areas. This is because the network relies on a combination of satellite and terrestrial infrastructure.

Despite its limitations, Koryolink has become an essential tool for many North Koreans, who use it to stay connected with family and friends.

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Koryolink offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for mobile phone users in North Korea.

With a coverage of over 90% of the country, Koryolink provides reliable mobile phone service to its users.

Koryolink's network is designed to support both 2G and 3G services, allowing users to make calls, send texts, and access the internet.

Koryolink's prepaid plans are a convenient option for users who want to control their spending.

Koryolink's SIM cards are available at various outlets throughout the country, making it easy for users to sign up for service.

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North Korea's mobile landscape is quite unique. The country's only 3G cellular network, Koryolink, was launched in 2008.

Koryolink's network is capable of data speeds around 1Mbps, which is relatively slow compared to other countries. The company has been expanding its network to cover more of the country, with a big jump in subscribers during the third quarter.

The company ended September with 301,199 subscribers, a jump of 63 percent in just three months. This expansion has been driven by the addition of tariffs aimed at lower-income users outside of the capital.

Koryolink plans to expand the network further to 59 small cities by the end of the year, which would push coverage to 91 percent of North Korea's roughly 24 million people.

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North Korea's mobile landscape is about to get a major upgrade, with the country's leadership hinting at a 4G rollout. It's been 12 years since Koryolink began cellular service in North Korea, and customers are still stuck on 3G technology.

The country's telecommunications sector needs to upgrade its infrastructure, according to Kim Jong Un, who made the announcement at the 8 Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. This would bring North Korea in line with the rest of the world, which is already moving to 5G.

Upgrading to 4G would bring big improvements, with data speeds increasing to 10 times the current rate of 1Mbps. This could be useful as the state continues to expand network and broadcasting access deep into the country.

Koryolink's current network is capable of data speeds around 1Mbps, but 4G networks can typically transfer data at ten times that. The Koryolink network is currently only available in 42 small cities and 22 highways and railways, but expansion plans aim to push coverage to 91 percent of the population by the end of the year.

The introduction of 4G would continue North Korea's trend of being one generation behind the industry's cutting edge. The country's first cellular network, a 2G system in the Rason region, was launched in 2002 just as 3G services were starting in Europe.

The internet and WiFi situation in North Korea is quite unique.

International internet access is available via a fiber-optic cable connecting Pyongyang with China.

In 2002, North Korea's first internet café opened, connected via a line to China.

Foreign visitors can link their computers to the internet through international phone lines available in a few hotels in Pyongyang.

Some new internet cafés have opened in Pyongyang, connected through the North Korean satellite link.

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Koryolink, North Korea's mobile network service, was launched in December 2008.

The North Korean government had top concerns about eavesdropping and network security before its launch.

Eavesdropping was a major concern for the government.

The government had to address these issues to ensure control over the network.

The government's focus on control is evident in their actions to block access to the Internet.

North Korea and South Korea both tightened control on Internet access in 2016 with blocks on major sites.

North Korea's surveillance and control system is a complex web of measures designed to monitor and restrict the activities of its citizens. The North Korean government prioritized eavesdropping and network security when launching Koryolink, the country's only 3G cellular network, in December 2008.

Censorship is a key component of this system, with the government blocking access to major websites. In 2016, both North and South Korea took steps to tighten control on internet access.

The expansion of Koryolink's network has made it possible for approximately half of all new subscribers to come from outside of Pyongyang, demonstrating the government's reach and control over the population.

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Availability of Koryolink SIM cards is limited, with only a few locations available, including the Koryolink booth at Sunan international airport.

You can buy a SIM card at the Koryolink booth in the terminal building of Sunan airport, but be prepared to wait, as it's only open when a plane arrives.

The Koryolink store in Pothonggang Hotel in Pyongyang is another place where foreigners can buy a SIM card.

Recharging your prepaid SIM card by cash is possible at Koryolink outlets and at places that accept Narae Cards.

You can check your balance by dialing *900*#.

Local voice calling and receiving rates are around €0.20 per minute.

Foreign call charges vary greatly, ranging from €0.38 per minute to €1.58 per minute, depending on the country you're calling.