Mirae (Wi-Fi)

Mirae (Korean: 미래; Lit: Future) is a North Korean WiFi service that enables mobile devices to access a state-sanctioned intranet network via a separate sim card named Mirae. Only websites approved by the North Korean authorities can be accessed. The technology reportedly allows users to browse and download domestic and foreign science and commercial information, as well as movies and music, “at any time or place.”[1]

Rodong Sinmun content can be accessed over the Mirae WiFi network in North Korea. North Korean students can take classes at and download lectures from Kim Il Sung University via the Mirae WiFi network, beginning in 2018. Online-shopping outlet Manmulsang, video-on-demand service Manbang, Mokran video, the Sci-Tech Complex website, Yeolpung, Gongse, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a Netflix-style service called My Companion, and weather information can be accessed through the app.[2]

The use of SIM technology ensures that authorities always maintain tight control on the network. This technology also makes it more easier to track individual's online activity. Other than Mirae, there are two cellular networks in the country that also provide wireless data service.[3][4]

History

In August 2018, Choson Sinbo reported that the Chunggu Haeyang (Marine) Unha Technology Exchange Company which is under DPRK's Central Information Agency for Science and Technology had developed a local public free wireless data network named as ‘Mirae' network. A Technician at the company told the newspaper that the company had developed the network back in 2016, and that it had been launched the WiFi network in September last year.[5][6]

North Korea announced in 2018 that people could use a smartphone app to access the national network through the “Mirae public wireless data communications network.” Network was first installed on Pyongyang’s Mirae Scientists Street.[7][8]

The first broadcast in which it was seen was on October 21, 2018 and focused on a new tablet PC called the Taeyang 8321 (대양8321). This was the first time that an outdoor Wi-Fi service had been mentioned in North Korean media. The second broadcast in which it was seen was on November 8, 2018 was a report on the "Exhibition of IT Successes". It displayed Mirae network being accessed by an Arirang 171 smartphone.[9][10]

The network claimed to have data speed of up to 70 Mbps. However, an app for the service claims speeds between 2Mbps and 33Mbps. The TV report also showcased how service was made available through outdoor Wi-Fi base stations.[11]

On October 26, 2020 the Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang shared a scan of an article from the locally-distributed Pyongyang Sinmun. It showed the capabilities of “Naenara 101” (“My Country 101”). It had slots for two SIM cards, so it can be used to connect simultaneously to the mobile network and the public wireless network Mirae.[12][13]

Portable Wi-Fi devices for mobile use and Wi-Fi modems for home are provided by North Korea. Due to this support, every one out of five North Koreans or 20% of population are users of the country’s Wi-Fi network.[14]

References
  1. "N. Korea develops WiFi service for mobile devices". Yonhap News Agency. 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  2. Ji, Dagyum (November 14, 2018). Hotham, Oliver (ed.). "Smartphone-capable WiFi on show at Pyongyang IT exhibition, state TV reveals". NK News. Archived from the original on November 14, 2018.
  3. "DIGITAL TRENCHES: North Korea's Information Counter-Offensive" (PDF).
  4. Lim, Tai Wei (2019). "North Korea's Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Program". North Korean Review. 15 (2): 97–103. ISSN 1551-2789.
  5. protected, email (2018-11-14). "Smartphone-capable WiFi on show at Pyongyang IT exhibition, state TV reveals | NK News". NK News - North Korea News. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  6. "Wi-Fi로 전민학습환경을 개선／무선망판형콤퓨터가 호평". 조선신보 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  7. Williams, Martyn (2018-12-04). "North Korea's Wi-Fi Story: The Mirae is Today - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea". 38 North. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  8. Williams, Martyn; Slavney, Natalia (2022-11-15). "Twenty Years of Mobile Communications in North Korea - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea". 38 North. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  9. "North Korea's high-tech pursuits: Propaganda or progress?". BBC News. 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  10. protected, email (2019-06-06). "Inside a (censored) North Korean tablet, from karaoke apps to "Samurai Hunter" | NK News". NK News - North Korea News. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  11. "North Korea's 7 million smartphone users under regime's watchful eye". koreatimes. 2022-11-15. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  12. "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  13. mcchoy (2020-10-26). "North Korea shows off new 'Naenara 101' smart tablet to citizens | NK News". NK News - North Korea News. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  14. Hui, Mun Dong (2023-06-26). "One of five North Koreans are users of the country's Wi-Fi service | Daily NK English". Retrieved 2023-10-19.
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