North Korea has recently upgraded its mobile telecommunications networks to 4G services, a technology expert confirmed, highlighting the country’s belated efforts to enhance its capabilities in response to consumer demand as mobile phone use increases.

Martyn Williams, who runs the North Korea Tech blog, reported on Thursday that the mobile service provider Kangsong is now operating 4G cellular services after observing signals from the South Korean side of the border.

These findings confirm recent media reports that the state-owned carrier launched a 4G network late last year after upgrading its capabilities with Chinese support.

The emphasis on upgraded telecommunications capabilities