South Korea’s leading telecom service operator KT Corp. said on Wednesday that it has applied a new wireless technology on its long term evolution (LTE) network designed to extend battery life for smartphone and other mobile devices. The technology - which is the first of its kind in the country - has been supporting existing users of KT wireless services from this month without having to update a software or change devices, said the company.

At a press conference at KT’s headquarters in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, the mobile carrier introduced connected mode discontinuous reception (C-DRX) technology that extends battery life of smartphones by optimizing network connection. The technology reduces battery usage by periodically turning a smartphone’s communication function to low-power mode upon data connection.

In previous network environment, smartphone modems had to communicate frequently with telecommunication company’s signal stations upon data use. The updated technology, however, saves power by minimizing network connection when no data is being sent or received.

How long the battery life is extended depends on the smartphone model, wireless environment, and the number of installed apps running on the device, said the company.

According to KT, a test conducted by Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) showed that when its new technology is applied to Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy S8, power is extended from 3 hours and 13 minutes to 4 hours and 27 minutes. For example, when a smartphone user typically plays real-time YouTube video, the battery will completely run out after 9 hours and 57 minutes to 10 hours and 36 minutes. Under the KT’s new mode, power dies after 14 hours and 13 minutes to 14 hours and 24 minutes.

In case of Galaxy S7 Edge, battery is extended by 30 percent to 43 percent and for other smartphone devices by 35 percent to 40 percent, based on the TTA study.

C-DRX technology, meanwhile, has been adopted by many global mobile carriers. It has been designated as standard technology by 3rd Generation Partnership Project, a global LTE standards agency, in 2011.

By Cho Hee-young

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]