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Samsung officially teams up with SK for 5G tech

October 20, 2014

By Kang Yoon-seung

BUSAN, Oct. 20 (Yonhap) — SK Telecom Co., South Korea’s top mobile carrier, said Monday it has joined hands with Samsung Electronics Co. to develop the fifth-generation (5G) industry, seeking early advancement in one of the highly watched mobile sectors.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conduct joint research in network technologies and new services related to the 5G,” SK Telecom said. The company currently dominates half of the local mobile market.

Under the deal, the two firms will cooperate in arranging 5G frequencies and developing 5G-related technologies for broad applications, including the Internet of Things.

“The 5G industry calls for an ecosystem, which encompasses mobile carriers and manufactures, along with standards, devices and network infrastructure, as well as new services,” Samsung said. “Through the deal, South Korea can become the leader not only in the fourth-generation (4G) area but also in 5G as well.”

SK Telecom hoped that with the tie-up, the company will be able to launch unique, high-quality mobile services.

South Korea has been making efforts to take the lead in the 5G sector, one of the key agenda items at the “5G Global Summit,” opening here on the sidelines of the 19th International Telecommunications Union Plenipotentiary Conference. International top players in the mobile industry will discuss the current status and the future of the network at the summit.