SK Telecom announced that starting on August 4th the company will launch a commercial Wireless Public Authentication Service that uses its wireless network.This will be done in a joint effort with Korea Securities Computer Corp. This is a world’s first for this type of service.

Public authentication certificates that were previously issued through a wire-line device, can now be issued via WIPI-based terminals from Korea Securities Computer Corp. which is one of the public certificate issuance institutes.

With the Wireless Public Authentication Service, a key infrastructure of mobile commerce has been commercialized. In this regard, the matters of personal authentication and security on the wireless Internet will be greatly improved. This will further strengthen the security and convenience in mobile banking and stock trading transactions. The more improved security and convenience will accelerate the creation of new mobile commerce content. This includes applications for civil affairs documents, insurance contracts, and safe payments by cellular phones.

Jin Seok Cha, vice-president and head of SK Telecom’s MONETA Business Division commented, "The world’s first commercialization of a Wireless Public Authentication Service demonstrates that Korea’s security and authentication technology stays ahead of the world’s standard level. We expect that customers will realize the high quality level of this wireless Internet service and actively increase the level of use of the entire mobile commerce market".

Currently SK Telecom is moving toward issuing Wireless Public Authentication certificates by forming a strategic alliance with the Korea Information Certificate Authority. The service will be launched in August of this year. The company plans to offer the service through the popular WITOP-based terminals as well as the WIPI-based terminals. This will be done in cooperation with the Korea Information Certificate Authority.