KT Signs Agreement with Republic of Korea Armed Forces Command and Communications Command for Next-Generation M-BcN Deployment

KT Shin Su-jeong, Head of the Enterprise Division (right), and Lim Kang-gyu, Commander of the Armed Forces Command and Communications Command, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing the agreement.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] KT, as the lead company of the consortium K-Defense Corporation (tentative name), announced on the 12th that it has signed an implementation agreement with the Armed Forces Command and Communication Command to build the next-generation Defense Broadband Integrated Network (M-BcN).

The project is being carried out to replace the military's communication facilities and equipment with new models. According to the agreement, KT will replace outdated communication equipment in the front-line areas with new ones and improve leased lines in the rear areas into the military's own communication network.

This project is a Build-Transfer-Lease (BTL) type private investment project where the private sector invests capital first, and KT will be responsible for facility and equipment replacement as well as operation for 10 years.

KT plans to establish a Special Purpose Company (SPC) for the project and proceed with detailed design, followed by construction from May next year to July 2024. The next-generation M-BcN is scheduled to begin normal operation from August 2024.

Through the stable and successful construction of the next-generation M-BcN, KT plans to lead digital transformation (DX) in the defense sector and continue supporting the construction of a science and technology-strong military.

KT's Division Head Shin Su-jeong said, "Based on Korea's best network infrastructure and communication network construction technology and experience, KT will stably build the next-generation M-BcN," adding, "As part of Defense Innovation 4.0, we will lead DX in the defense sector as the project operator for the development of 5G commercial network and defense network interworking technology and the smart unit construction project."