Three mobile carriers are focusing on securing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure 5G mobile communication (5G) initiative through ecosystem expansion. They are using a variety of strategies, including providing laboratory space and using related technologies to grow SMEs into 5G partners.

According to the industry on December 18, SK Telecom recently adopted its own developed front-hole technology as the standard of Korea Information Technology Association (TTA). The front hole is a wired network connecting the central apparatus of the 5th generation mobile communication (5G) base station and the dispersing apparatus such as the antenna to each other. SK Telecom expects the front halls will be adopted as a standard, allowing smaller companies to participate in the 5G ecosystem.

Besides, Park Jin-hyo emphasized in the recent developer forum held at the Bundang Headquarters `T Open Lab`, "We hope that developers with good ideas will be able to utilize facilities that allow 5G-related tests." SK Telecom`s `T OpenLab`, which has been in operation since 2012, has the advantage that various companies and developers can apply for it freely.

Meanwhile, KT is also lagging behind. Since November last year, it has been running `Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Open Lab` at Woomedong Office. NFV is a technology that replaces the hardware equipment required for network configuration with software. KT is currently conducting open labs with small and medium-sized business partners.

Also, KT is operating the KT-Eco Alliance, a technical consultative body that collaborates with small and medium-sized companies and venture companies in 11 new business areas including 5G, PinTech, Connected Car, and AI. The KT-Eco Alliance has more than 20 companies. KT plans to open 5G service contest for participating partner companies. A KT representative said, "Companies that want to participate in consultations can review at any time," he said. "We aim to spread ecosystem to domestic companies."

LG U Plus is providing 5G technology test center in Sangam-dong, Seoul to provide the experimental environment to small and medium-sized companies developing 5G related equipments. An official of LG U Plus said, "Especially, 5G technology test center is able to demonstrate application of commercial network within 1 hour by developing new equipment and technology." LG U + will also release the recently developed virtualization management platform interworking standard in the form of API (application program interface), and other domestic SMEs will be able to easily develop virtualization equipment.

On the other hand, an industry expert said, "As a telecom company, we can get small and medium-sized companies that have the technology to develop related equipment together, and if domestic companies lead the 5G standard in the world, they can contribute to participation. As the 5G world approaches, the form of coalition between mobile carriers and small and medium-sized companies will expand."


By Jong Ye Rin yeslin@


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