Posco signs MoU to ensure communications during crisis

Posco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea's three major mobile carriers — SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ — to improve communication networks for disaster response at their steel mills.

Officials, including Shim Min-seok, head of Posco's digital innovation office, far left, pose for a photo after signing an MoU to improve and expedite communication networks for disaster response at Posco's steel mills, at the Posco Center in southern Seoul on Thursday. [POSCO]

Posco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea's three major mobile carriers — SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ — to improve communication networks for disaster response at their steel mills.

The agreement comes after Typhoon Hinnamnor flooded Posco's steel mills in Pohang, South Gyeongsang, in September 2022, causing communication disruptions during emergency response efforts.

According to the MoU, Posco and the three companies will work together to ensure that mobile phone communication is possible in the event of disasters affecting Posco's plants in Pohang and Gwangyang. They will establish a joint response system for emergencies and ensure the rapid recovery of mobile communication networks.

To prepare for sudden power outages, the companies have procured additional power generation by adding 106 backup generators. Telecommunication equipment vulnerable to flooding will also be relocated.

The parties have agreed to select a key priority restoration site to create backup communication networks and establish an emergency response system that ensures at least minimal communication capabilities in the worst-case scenarios.

They have also committed to working on necessary equipment and personnel support, hotline operations and disaster response training.

"Telecommunication is crucial for swift communication and on-site response during unforeseen disasters," said Shim Min-seok, head of Posco's digital innovation office. "With the signing of this MoU with the three telecom companies, we aim to ensure business continuity and establish a rapid recovery system in the event of unexpected disasters at our steel mills."

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]