North Korea presents a domestic smartphone at the fair

Diplomatically isolated and under severe sanctions over its nuclear and military programs, North Korea has an aging industrial base, leading analysts to doubt its ability to produce high-quality consumer technology.

Still, authorities in Pyongyang are promoting the Jindallae model as a practical means of connecting citizens, albeit through a tightly controlled domestic network.

The devices, available in multiple colors and featuring a large circular multi-lens camera module, were on display at the Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair, the country’s largest trade fair.

According to state media, more than 290 companies from North Korea, Russia, China, Mongolia, Switzerland and Thailand are participating in the fair, while the exact number of visitors has not been announced.

The Jindallae was first introduced in 2017, and the latest model, according to South Korean media reports, is similar to last year’s version.

Most of the country’s approximately 25 million inhabitants do not have access to the global Internet, but instead use a strictly limited national intranet network.

Cell phones also allow authorities to monitor the population. According to media reports, the devices can periodically record screens and store them in hidden folders accessible to authorities.

It is not known how the phones are manufactured, but analysts say that many of the devices are actually manufactured by Chinese companies, after which they are branded for the domestic market, despite sanctions that prohibit the import of such equipment.

According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, North Korea had about 6.35 million mobile subscriptions at the end of 2022.

Apart from Jindallaa, domestic brands include Arirang and Phurunhanal.

South Korean authorities estimate that North Korea’s economy is recovering in part thanks to strengthening relations with Russia, including military and economic cooperation linked to the war in Ukraine.

(Vijesti.ba)