SKT teams up with Intel to lead in 5G network

By Lee Min-hyung

The nation’s largest mobile carrier, SK Telecom, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Intel for joint research into the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network.

SKT and the U.S.-based semiconductor giant agreed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2015 to build the partnership, seeking to take the lead in the next mobile network platform.

“SKT aims to be the first company to build the 5G network system globally,” a SK Telecom representative said. “The first step toward the goal is to develop a modem device that can enable the standardization of the 5G network.”

He said SKT expects to develop the device by 2018, at the earliest.

An Intel representative also expressed hope for the new ecosystem.

“We believe 5G will deliver dramatically better device connectivity and enable new and better user experiences to support a variety of connected devices in the future,” said Asha Keddy, vice president and general manager at Intel Corporation.

She said Intel would not spare any effort to help SKT build the next mobile network.

“Intel and SK Telecom share a commitment to the success of 5G networks and have the experience and resources needed to solve the technology challenges involved with advancing 5G networks to commercial deployments,” she said.

The two companies also have introduced a next-generation wireless LAN called Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig).

SKT said WiGig will provide 10 times faster speeds than Wi-Fi, enabling users to download a 4-10 GB movie in less than two seconds. On top of that, WiGig consumes much less power, guaranteeing longer battery life, according to the company.

“This new MOU deepens the cooperation between SK Telecom and Intel to develop and secure key enabling technologies for 5G,” said SK Telecom Chief Technology Officer Choi Jin-sung.

“We will continue to make efforts to provide customers with unprecedented value through innovative 5G services.”