South Korean Mobile Phones to Use Standard Connections

Data cables and earphones, which differ from one handset manufacturer to another, are going to be standardized in South Korea.

According to research firm Portelligent, South Korea's three mobile communication service providers have agreed on the external interface of cellular phones and signed an agreement to work towards this single interface.

SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom will work to make sure cellular phone accessories such as earphone/microphones and data cables are all compatible, meaning consumers who change handset models will not have to buy new accessories.

The companies also plan future value-added services to synchronize the cellular phone input/output port and external devices.