POSCO, three telcos to build communication systems against disasters

South Korean steel giant POSCO said on Friday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three domestic telecommunications companies, SK Telecom Co., KT Corp., and LG Uplus Corp., to enhance and quickly restore mobile phone communications networks in the event of a steel mill disaster.

The agreement aims to address the challenges faced during last year's Typhoon Hinnamnor, which resulted in the flooding of the entire Pohang steel mill and the submergence of telecommunications equipment.

Under the MOU, POSCO and the three telecom companies plan to improve the mobile phone communications environment to ensure accessibility during disasters that may affect the Pohang and Gwangyang steel mills. They also intend to activate a joint response system during emergencies to restore mobile communications networks promptly.

Furthermore, POSCO and the telecom companies have secured 106 emergency power generators to deploy swiftly in case of sudden power outages. They also plan to improve the environment by relocating flood-prone telecommunications equipment.

The companies aim to establish backup communications networks and emergency response systems to ensure minimal communications would be possible, even if mobile phone communications facilities are damaged or destroyed. They also plan to create an organic cooperation system among themselves.

Write to Seung-Woo Lee at leeswoo@hankyung.com