Korea’s three telecom companies are planning to unveil a subscription anti-wiretapping service for cell phone users this week. SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom said Sunday that they will offer the Private Long Code service, a digital encryption system, from this week.
Dubbed “Voice Private”, the service was developed to prevent eavesdropping on mobile phone calls. The technology uses a strong encryption code to make it difficult for unauthorized listeners to decode digitalized voice information.
Fees range from W1,500 to W2,000 ($1.60 - $2.13 USD). Customers can subscribe to the service without having to purchase a special phone. Telecom providers say they will begin the service as soon as the Ministry of Information and Communication approves it.
Customers are expected to include people who deal regularly with sensitive information, such as politicians, public officials, businesspeople and journalists. (more)
