On the 24th of February, SK Telecom and Reno-Samsung signed an agreement in the SK T Tower that is aimed at accelerating the telematics business. In April 2002, the two companies first signed an MOU regarding the joint implementation of a Telematics business. Since then, they have maintained a cooperative relationship designed to boost the Telematics service market. In line with this, both companies launched an embedded type NATE Drive (INS300) service. This is a first in Korea.

With this MOU, SK Telecom will focus on improving the Telematics service platform and infrastructure. To accomplish this, the company plans to introduce NATE Drive (INS300S), which is an upgraded version of an embedded type NATE Drive. This should be launched during the first half of this year. This service will allow subscribers to enjoy more information regarding driving safety and leisure life activities.

In addition, during the first half of 2006, the high-tech NATE Drive (INS700) that offers a combination of DMB and three-dimensional map services, will be showcased on the 7-inch LCD monitors in Reno-Samsung’s SM7 models.

SK Telecom started NATE Drive service via cellular phone, in March 2003. This was a first in Korea. The company has been making a concerted effort to extend the Telematics market through the introduction of a variety of rate plans and compact type NATE Drive services. This, together with economical service rates and an increase in the distribution of service-enabled handsets, has helped the company gain its current 260 thousand subscribers.

SK Telecom has been concentrating on constructing a Telematics model city on Jeju Island. This project, which is designed to offer the best in high quality Telematics services, was started in September 2004. Based on the platform technology, together with the operating know-how and service experience accumulated in the Telematics model city, the company plans to increase the size of the telematics market.

Kyu Kwan Lim, vice-president and head of SK Telecom’s Business Solution Division said, "Telematics will create a variety of synergies. These will occur not only in telecommunications in automobiles, but also in information, mobile commerce, tourism, finance, and broadcasting. SK Telecom will also strive to strengthen the telematics business in harmony with its search for new growth engines that trigger growth in the company, and the national economy."