SEOUL - High Tech Computer (HTC), the world' s fifth-largest smartphone maker, said Thursday it will release its fourth-generation (4G) smartphone and tablet computer in South Korea in July.

Related readings: 4G network is another step closer to reality  4G to be adopted within 3-5 years

"HTC will launch the android-based Evo 4G+ smartphone and the Flyer 4G tablet computer in the country from July 1," Jack Tong, president of HTC's North Asian region, said at a media briefing.

The new mobile devices will support connectivity to the 4G wireless-broadband (WiBro) network of KT Corp, the nation's dominant fixed-line operator. The devices will be also connected through the current 3G WCDMA network and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi).

The 4G WiBro network will provide a mobile Internet service that can transmit data three times faster than the existing third- generation (3G) technology.

Meanwhile, South Korea's top mobile carrier SK Telecom is readying to launch the 4G long-term evolution (LTE) service next month. It features data transmission speed about five times faster than the current 3G service.

The nation's smallest wireless carrier LG Uplus plans to begin offering the LTE service before the end of this year.