SKT, CT&T Sign Key Mobile Deal

By Kim Yoo-chul

Staff Reporter

SK Telecom, the nation's biggest mobile carrier, said Sunday it has clinched a mobile technology supplement deal with South Korea-based electric vehicle manufacturer CT&T.

Under the alliance, the companies will jointly develop mobile technology that will eventually be used in CT&T's upcoming electric vehicles from 2011.

"We've signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the mid-sized carmaker in Beijing," Cindy Kang, a company spokeswoman, said.

The mobile in vehicle (MIV) technology enables a mobile phone inside a car to automatically control car systems such as the battery, brakes and oil status, and makes it possible to realize mobile contents while driving, Kang said.

SK Telecom already developed MIV-related technology last year for a "litmus test" and the official added the partnership aims to sharpen the technologies for an immediate implementation.

"The companies will run several 'working groups.' Among the main tasks are to develop mobile software based on MIV platforms for electric vehicles and to boost related technologies in the mobile network sector," she added.

Citing the data by research firms, SK Telecom expects the market for MIV to grow over 200 billion won annually, from 2011.

China Expansion

The deal is expected to lay the groundwork for SK Telecom's effective penetration in the lucrative electric vehicle market in China, officials say.

SK Telecom, which has stalled over its business expansion on its home-turf without finding massive breakthroughs, is heavily realigning its corporate strategies towards China.

"We are keen to export our mobile content-related technology and to solidify mutual partnerships with other consumer electronics companies that are significantly involved in China," Kang said.

Early this month, CT&T signed a MOU with China's Tongjiang Energy Group to jointly produce electric buses in China.

The smaller carmaker also struck a preliminary deal with Beijing Automotive Group of China to build an electric-car plant in Beijing, capable of producing 50,000 units a year.