SK-EarthLink to become Helio

SK-EarthLink today changed its name to Helio and revealed a few more details about the data-centric wireless MVNO it plans to launch next year.

The joint venture, 51% owned by Korea’s SK Telecom and 49% owned by U.S. ISP EarthLink, will target tech-savvy consumers in the U.S. The MVNO will use the EV-DO networks to bring customers data speeds of 300 kb/s to 500 kb/s, and promises new exclusive high-tech handsets for its customers. Helio has not yet announced a carrier partner or partners, though by the service’s launch in spring of 2006, only Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel will have nationwide EV-DO networks.

“For years, we’ve waited patiently for real wireless innovation to make its way from places like to Korea to the U.S.,” Helio CEO Sky Dayton said in a statement. “In the meantime, we’ve lived with low-end devices, uninspired service and yesterday’s technology.”

The venture is backed with $440 million of funding from SK Telecom and EarthLink, and import SK’s technology and experience in 3G technology from South Korea, where it is the dominant service provider.