LG Uplus (032640.KS) said Wednesday it has built dedicated broadcast transmission lines for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, and will provide them to Korea's host broadcaster.
The carrier said it has reinforced its backup systems, including subsea cables, to prevent transmission interruptions during long-distance live broadcasts. To this end, LG Uplus has established six subsea cable routes spanning approximately 14,000 km between Dallas, Texas — where the 2026 FIFA World Cup International Broadcast Center (IBC) is located — and Korea's broadcast relay hubs.
Four lines run from Dallas through LG Uplus's Los Angeles PoP (point of presence) and across the Pacific Ocean to the company's Anyang office. Two additional lines connect Dallas through San Jose and Los Angeles in California, across the Pacific, to the company's Bangbae office. The carrier did not establish transmission routes through the Atlantic and Indian Oceans this time to avoid potential disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts.
"For the broadcast of the recent Milan Winter Olympics, we operated four routes, but for this North American World Cup, we are running two additional lines, which we expect will strengthen broadcast stability," an LG Uplus official said.
LG Uplus is also applying Hitless Protection technology throughout the entire video transmission process. The technology simultaneously receives signals transmitted across lines, analyzes packets in real time, and instantly switches to another line when an anomaly is detected on one, minimizing screen interruptions.
In preparation for failures across the entire subsea cable network, the company is also setting up a system that transmits video using the SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) protocol via local internet networks. As an additional safeguard against problems with local internet networks, LG Uplus will operate a wireless transmission system using MNG (Mobile News Gathering) equipment. The device, a portable network unit weighing about 1 kg, connects to local mobile networks to transmit necessary video footage in emergency situations.
During the World Cup, LG Uplus will operate a 24-hour monitoring system covering all communications infrastructure from its Anyang office. The company will deploy four staff in Dallas and 18 dedicated personnel at the Anyang office to establish real-time collaboration with overseas operators.
"Based on the capabilities we have accumulated in international sports event broadcasting, we will reliably deliver the excitement of the venue," an LG Uplus official said.
