Under the terms of the MoU, Ericsson and the South Korean operator will co-operate in the study and development of core technologies that have the potential to become standards for next-generation and 5G networks.
“SK Telecom is pleased to work with Ericsson to lead 5G network technology,” said Park Jin-hyo, SVP and head of the network technology R&D centre at SK Telecom. “We will continue to lead development of technologies for the era of the next-generation network.”
The two companies will initially test technologies considered essential for 5G evolution, including small cell, ultra-wideband, low latency and FDD/TDD convergence, amongst others.
Ericsson and SK Telecom have also agreed that they will continue working together if additional technologies are found necessary for 5G development.
“South Korea is clearly leading in the uptake of LTE, in terms of technology and subscriber uptake, and SK Telecom is the largest mobile carrier in their market,” said Thomas Norén, VP and head of product area radio at Ericsson.
“They are early drivers of technology and we see them as an important partner in defining new opportunities, innovations and requirements for the continued evolution of LTE and towards 5G,” he added.
Ericsson announced it had reached speeds of 5Gbps using 5G technology last week, and said it was working closely with operators like SK Telecom to progress its evolution.
