Network operator SK Telecom said Monday that it has completed the installation of Korea’s first network exclusively dedicated to the Internet of Things services across Daegu City.

The IoT network, called the long-range wide area network or simply LoRa network, covers the entire city to provide connected services for the public.

SKT expects the IoT businesses to gain further momentum when the city is designated as a regulation-free zone for the technology.

“SKT will contribute to transforming Daegu into a hub of information and communications technology,” said Lee Hyung-hee, head of SKT’s mobile network business.

“The company will also create an ecosystem for cooperation with small- and medium-sized firms and start-ups by expanding the IoT network across the nation in June,” he said.

In line with SKT’s goal to nurture IoT businesses and the start-up ecosystem, SKT and the Daegu government inked a partnership deal to set up an IoT laboratory in the city in March.

The IoT test bed, dubbed the T Open Lab, will open at the city government building in July to allow fledgling start-ups to conduct research and development projects.

At the lab fitted with IT devices, sensors and equipment, entrepreneurs can also participate in lectures run by seasoned technicians and businessmen and exchange information with other start-up runners.

The network operator will pour 90 billion won ($75.6 million) to establish the test bed while the city government will try to set aside more than 1 trillion won to establish the IoT infrastructure for energy, health care and autonomous car businesses.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)