(Photo shows chatting through the INK Messenger Tool that NATE PDA provides (COMPUTER to PDA Interconnection of wired and wireless network))

On November 1st SK Telecom (www.sktelecom.com) announced that the company has launched the NATE service exclusively for PDA, which allows 011 customers to freely communicate with varied terminals such as the PC, cellular phone, and VMT(Vehicle-Mounted Terminal), among others.

The NATE service for PDA displays a wide range of PDA-sized data by using a Trans-coding technology that SK Telecom developed. In doing this, SK Telecom has opened a full-fledged PDA portal era.

Unlike the conventional PDA service, NATE service for PDA provides an on-line service that uses the NATE wireless portal site for the PDA as an exclusive browser, by connecting it with a wireless network. This service simultaneously offers channel services that allows the customer to use information on an off-line basis, by storing the information transmitted via wireless network or PC using Synchronization > technology. NATE service for PDA also makes such wired and wireless integrated services possible, as wired and wireless connected network games, Messenger, E-mail with PC, cellular phone, and VMT.

NATE service for PDA use consists of the following:
? Communications Services such as E-mail, Messenger (including written message, scribbling, and an INK Messenger that transmits pictures), schedule management, and address book, among others
? Community Services such as chatting, hobby groups, and meetings, among others
? Content Services such as movies, cartoons, games and e-books, among others
? e-Commerce Services such as e-lottery, real-time auctions, and ticket reservations, among others

Unlike the NATE service for cellular phone use, which is operated on the basis of the WAP, the operation of the NATE service for PDA is based on HTML and provides a wider screen than that of the cellular phone. In addition, This service has been structured to adopt the stronger points of PDA, such as computing functions like those of the PC, and a convenient input unit based on a Touch-screen Mode, using a stylus pen.

In order to use the service, two types of PDA terminals are available. One is Compaq?s iPAQ(Color), and the other is JTEL?s Cellbig XG (black and white) . The two of them were actually developed for CDMA2000 1x. Unlike the Cellbig XG terminal that includes a communication function, iPAQ requires a kit exclusively for NATE. These terminals also support voice call functions.

The PDA portal site provides over 150 classes of content exclusively for PDA, and about 40 specialized content providers take charge of these content operations.

To subscribe to this service, potential customers should apply through the PDA terminal using the same application procedure used for 011 cellular phone service. Next, they register as a regular member on the wired Internet site of NATE.com. The NATE Packet Rate (2.5 Korean won per packet) is charged for this service. Customers who require large volume services should choose the Packet Selective Rate, which allows them to enjoy the service more economically. The Information use fee will not be charged until December of 2001.

SK Telecom launched the NATE service for PDA in addition to the PC portal service called ?NATE.com? and NATE service for cellular phones. The company will also start a NATE Driving service based on VMT later this month. In so doing, SK Telecom will have successfully launched four different types of NATE services that embrace the PC, cellular phone, PDA, and VMT services.