LGU+ Selected as Phase 1 Contractor for Line 9 'LTE-R' Deployment Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] LG Uplus announced on the 13th that it has formed a consortium with International Telecommunications Industry (CEO Kim Seong-jo) and held a kickoff meeting to officially begin the construction of LTE-R on Seoul Subway Line 9.

The kickoff meeting held at the Seoul Metro Line 9 headquarters was attended by key executives including Choi Taek-jin, Head of LG Uplus Enterprise Division (Vice President), and Bae Hyun-geun, CEO of Seoul Metro Line 9.

At the kickoff meeting, Choi Taek-jin, Head of LG Uplus Enterprise Division (right), Bae Hyun-geun, CEO of Seoul Metro Line 9 (center), and Kim Jong-hwan, Vice President of International Telecommunications Industry (left) are posing for a commemorative photo. Photo by LG Uplus

LTE-R is an integrated railway wireless communication system optimized for railway environments using 4th generation wireless communication technology LTE. Unlike traditional voice-centric wireless communication technologies such as Trunked Radio System (TRS) and Very High Frequency (VHF), LTE-R supports voice, video, and data services. It is known as a core infrastructure for safe train operation by enabling rapid response in case of accidents.

Seoul Metro Line 9 decided to apply LTE-R technology to stations, train depots, and control centers to enhance the safety of over 150 million annual passengers. The Line 9 LTE-R project is divided into three phases depending on the section. The first phase, scheduled for completion by December 2024, covers a total of 25 stations (total length 25.5 km) from Gaehwa Station to Sinnonhyeon Station. This section includes major transfer stations on Line 9 such as Gimpo Airport, Dangsan, Yeouido, Noryangjin, and Express Bus Terminal.

In December last year, the LG Uplus consortium signed a contract as the LTE-R construction contractor for the first phase section of Line 9. This consortium was finally selected as the contractor due to ▲ extensive experience in LTE-R construction on subway lines 2, 4, and 5 ▲ capability for uninterrupted UPS and exchange replacement and accident-free construction ▲ deep understanding through experience in commercial LTE construction on Line 9.

With this LTE-R construction, passenger safety and convenience for customer safety personnel management within the first phase section of Line 9 are expected to improve significantly. Through continuous video signals from LTE-R, train operators can view the platform screen starting 400 meters before entering the station, allowing them to closely monitor any abnormalities or signs of safety incidents around the screen doors. Additionally, CCTV footage inside the train cars is shared in real time with the train operator, control center, and safety management office, enabling rapid response to emergencies.

LG Uplus plans to utilize the technology and equipment it directly verified through previous Seoul subway LTE-R construction projects, and especially aims to implement a 'Line 9 LTE-R Control Center' at the same level as the 'Seoul Subway LTE-R Control Center No. 1,' which is the first and currently the highest standard in Seoul subway and has been operated for about two years.

Choi Taek-jin, Head of LG Uplus Enterprise Division (Vice President), said, "LG Uplus was recognized for its expertise in executing LTE-R projects across all lines of the Seoul subway and was selected as the final contractor for the first phase LTE-R construction on Line 9. Through close cooperation within the consortium, we will innovate the control and boarding experience unique to Line 9 and challenge the projects for phases 2 and 3 in the future."