Enhanced speed and customer-perceived quality and security features
Existing GiGA WiFi serves 311 million average monthly users; greater customer response expected

KT announced that it will introduce 'GiGA WiFi 2.0' starting from the 22nd, offering speeds of 1.73Gbps—twice faster than the existing GiGA WiFi service currently deployed in major public places such as cafes, movie theaters, department stores, and apartment complexes.

The existing GiGA WiFi implements a maximum speed of 1.3Gbps using the international standard IEEE 802.11ac Wave1 specification, supports a maximum speed of 867Mbps on mobile devices, and accommodates up to 512 simultaneous connections.

The enhanced 'GiGA WiFi 2.0' applies the next-generation IEEE 802.11ac Wave2 (Phase 2) specification, enabling maximum speeds of 1.73Gbps, and through future upgrades, maximum speeds of up to 3.4Gbps can be achieved.

The maximum speed of 1.73Gbps for GiGA WiFi 2.0 enables downloading a single UHD-grade movie (approximately 16GB) in about 1 minute, and high-fidelity lossless (FLAC) audio content of 100 songs (4GB) in less than 17 seconds.

Additionally, customer-perceived quality has improved through the application of MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input & Multiple Output) technology, which enables file downloads without speed degradation even when multiple users connect simultaneously. Wireless security capabilities have also been strengthened with the adoption of WIPS (Wireless Intrusion Prevention System), which detects and blocks unauthorized AP (Access Point) or terminal device intrusions.

KT already possesses Korea's largest coverage of 200,000 WiFi APs (Access Points), and among these, GiGA WiFi has deployed a total of 40,000 APs at nationwide brand stores including Starbucks, Cafe Bene, Twosome Place, CGV, Kyobo Bookstore, major landmarks such as bus stops, underground shopping areas, airports, department stores, KTX stations, and apartment complexes. GiGA WiFi has an average of 311 million monthly users, and the wireless traffic they use amounts to approximately 1,888 TB.

Plans to continuously expand GiGA WiFi 2.0 coverage nationwide

GiGA WiFi 2.0 is expected to expand nationwide coverage starting from major landmarks such as Seoul Station and Yongsan Station, and is anticipated to receive significant customer response. KT mobile customers can use GiGA WiFi and GiGA WiFi 2.0 free of charge, while customers of other carriers can purchase 'WiFi Usage Rights' online or at nearby convenience stores.

Starting July 22nd, KT will establish a GiGA WiFi 2.0 experience zone at KT Square Gwanghwamun to provide customers with the opportunity to experience the service firsthand.

Meanwhile, GiGA WiFi 2.0 is compatible with any smartphone capable of using GiGA WiFi, such as Galaxy S7, LG G5, and iPhone 6, without requiring additional upgrades or modifications. When terminals equipped with the 'GiGA WiFi 2.0' specification are released in the future, maximum speeds of up to 1.73Gbps are expected to be available on mobile devices as well.

Lee Phil-jae, Executive Vice President of KT's Marketing Strategy Division, stated: "KT has once again solidified its WiFi leadership by constructing the world's first commercial GiGA WiFi 2.0 network," and added, "We plan to continuously expand GiGA WiFi 2.0 coverage so that customers can enjoy an even more comfortable mobile lifestyle without burden."