By Cho Mu-hyun
KT laid out plans to help out its small- and mid-sized partners enter new business areas Thursday.
The mobile carrier said it seemed timely to help less capable businesses that supply the firm with equipment when the trend in wireless technology is shifting from third- to fourth-generation long-term evolution (LTE).
As installing varied LTE-related equipment such as repeaters, radio stations and access points requires advanced technology, KT, as one of the best in the industry, will provide its know-how to its multiple partners.
The company has signed an agreement for cooperative development with major suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Ericsson and NSN to assist smaller vendors such as Ace tech, MTI and FRTEK.
Under the contract, the mobile carrier will pass over Common Public Radio Interface and Open Base Station Standard Initiative technology to the smaller firms without any stipulations.
Related equipment made by the three companies will be used actively in KT’s network.
Through this agreement, small- and medium-sized companies can acquire state-of-the-art technology for free, solve the problem of high spending on human resources and development, and secure new markets and references, said KT in a statement.
“Thanks to KT’s active persuasion, global manufacturers recognized that domestic equipment makers have sufficient competiveness and accepted the agreement,” the carrier said. “By purchasing and commercializing products made by our small- and mid-sized partners using the provided technology, it will allow them a new revenue base and help them go global.”
The project is part of a larger plan by the company which stated earlier in the year that it wants to create a healthy ecosystem under the motto “open co-growth.”
Four general guidelines have been set to achieve the goal: fair transactions with partners, supporting them in venturing into new markets as well as increasing their capabilities and future-oriented cooperative growth.
One such program that backs its claims is “Vendor Coaching,” an educational seminar that is hosted periodically. KT invites officials from both its primary and secondary partners to provide educational programs hosted by its in-house consultants. Topics range from technology to business values and software development.
In 2008, five secondary partners attended and the number trebled last year. Twenty-five companies have attended so far this year.
“Increased competitiveness of our partners ultimately boosts KT as well. We want to be a company open to various co-projects with other smaller companies that will contribute to a win-win ecosystem,” said a KT spokesman.