The First Steps Towards a North Korean Internet

In its nascent stage, North Korea's internet infrastructure was virtually non-existent. In the mid-1990s, as the world wide web was becoming a global phenomenon, North Korea remained staunchly isolated.

The country's first foray into the digital realm began with an intranet system known as Kwangmyong, launched in 2000. This free-of-charge service available to libraries, educational institutions, and government departments was isolated from the world, providing access only to an array of websites, emails, and news portals under tight government control.

The Birth of North Korea's Intranet: Kwangmyong

Since inception, Kwangmyong was used as a tool to disseminate state-sanctioned information and propaganda. It continues to serve as a key platform for information sharing and communication within the nation's borders, albeit controlled and censored. While the government touted it as a sign of North Korea's technological progress, it notably lagged behind global advancements.

An Expanding Network: 3G Services and Foreign Investment

A significant development came in 2008 with the establishment of Koryolink, a joint venture between the North Korean government and the Egyptian telecom company, Orascom. This move marked the introduction of 3G services to North Korea, making it possible for residents to use mobile phones for calls and texts. However, internet services remained out of reach for most citizens, except the political elite and foreigners in the country.

The Arrival of a Limited Internet: Star Joint Venture Company

Fast forward to 2013, the Star Joint Venture Company, a collaboration between North Korea and Thailand, began providing a semblance of internet services. Yet, it was available only to a select few – the political elite, foreigners, and specific institutions. Notably, this included institutions involved in the country's cyber warfare and propaganda efforts.

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Undersea Cables: Connection to the Outside World

In terms of international connectivity, the majority of North Korea's internet traffic is routed through undersea cables connecting to China. There have been unconfirmed reports suggesting potential alternative routing through Russia.

The Role of Satellite Internet

While there have been reports of North Korea exploring satellite internet technologies, there is no concrete evidence of large-scale deployment or usage. It's speculated that such technology would be primarily used for military or government purposes rather than civilian use.

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North Korea's Domestic Internet: A Closed Network

Despite these developments, North Korea's domestic internet remains a closed network. North Korean citizens still don't have access to the world wide web as we know it. Instead, their online world is limited to Kwangmyong, the state-controlled intranet.

The Rise of Smartphone Usage

One cannot discuss the evolution of North Korea's internet infrastructure without addressing the proliferation of smartphones. According to estimates, several million North Koreans now own smartphones. These devices come pre-loaded with government-approved applications and lack features to connect to the global internet, reinforcing the walled garden of information.

Tightening Cyber Borders

In the wake of a cyber-connected society, the North Korean government has tightened its cyber borders. It has rolled out new laws to criminalize the distribution of foreign content, and introduced Red Star OS, a state-approved operating system that aids censorship efforts.

The Paradox of North Korea's Internet Infrastructure

In conclusion, the evolution of internet infrastructure in North Korea presents a paradox. Despite advancements in technology and connectivity, internet access remains restricted and controlled, designed to maintain the state's stronghold over information. North Korea's journey to the digital age remains marked by censorship and isolation, even as the rest of the world forges ahead towards a more open and interconnected global network.

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