SK Telecom and Bell Labs, the research arm of Alcatel-Lucent have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that provides a framework for research projects in post 4G technologies.
Through this cooperative relationship, SK Telecom expects to collaborate in core technologies such as interference control, network automation and virtualisation in a multi-network environment, which will contribute to optimising network transmission and reducing network maintenance costs.
The project will also serve as a platform for Bell Labs to expand its capabilities in emerging technology areas and its research program in Korea.
The companies said that in the area of wireless technology, one potential project involves them working toward defining what the shape of wireless networks, in particular the applications running on those networks, will look like beyond the 4G networks that network operators are intending to launch over the next few years.
Another potential area focuses on developing methods for enabling complex networks to manage and configure themselves. According to the companies, demand for these self-optimising networks is expected to grow as network operators aim to achieve greater efficiencies.
Jae Wan Byun, senior vice president and head of institute of network technology at SK Telecom, said: “This agreement is a great opportunity for both companies to collaborate on future core telecommunication technologies through a combination of SK Telecom’s wide range of end-user services and capability in network commercialisation and Bell Labs’ market proven R&D power in telecommunication area.”
Debasis Mitra, head of global research and university partnership at Bell Labs, said: “We believe that Bell Labs’ preeminent research capabilities in emerging network technologies combined with SK Telecom’s market experience could lead to new growth opportunities for Alcatel-Lucent and enable SK Telecom to achieve its strategic objectives.”
