Korea Telecom and SK Telecom will launch Friday commercial service of the homegrown wireless broadband technology for the first time in the world.

The two firms said Thursday that their service will begin in high-demand areas in Seoul and vicinity including in the suburb Seongnam, before expanding to the entire metropolitan area and surrounding cities by early next year.

Success of the initial launch will likely accelerate WiBro's advance into foreign markets as well as the growth of related industries.

WiBro allows for wider and faster broadband access through mobile phones and other portable devices at cheaper prices.