International. Alcatel-Lucent has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korean telecom provider KT, according to which both companies will collaborate to test technologies related to the introduction of 5G mobile networks and the infrastructure needed to meet the high demand for connectivity expected in the future.
The collaboration will initially focus on Alcatel-Lucent's virtualized Radio Access Network (RAN) technology. At this year's Mobile World Congress, Alcatel-Lucent demonstrated how the capabilities of its vRAN solution could help operators dynamically respond to changing customer, market and environmental demand, while improving network performance and reducing costs.
As a result of the explosive demand for data caused by smartphones and other mobile devices, and the increasing use of technologies such as the Internet of Things and machine-to-machine networks, 5G technology offers greater speeds, capabilities and flexibility, which will allow mobile operators to meet the demand for data in a highly personalized way. It will also provide an unrestricted experience, allowing people and connected devices to access any information from anywhere and in the way they prefer.
South Korea has a high demand for data: according to the Ministry of Science, ICT Technologies and Future Planning, at the end of February 2015, 72% of mobile users were smartphone users. KT wants to leverage the flexibility and efficiency facilitated by 5G to offer its users a homogeneous, high-quality mobile broadband experience, with new differentiated and personalized services with the ability to generate new revenue streams.
Key facts
The agreement contemplates the collaboration between Alcatel-Lucent and KT to develop the architecture of the 5G network of the future. This will enable KT to meet the massive demand for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity – offering a personalized experience to a growing number of people, machines and connected devices.
The scope of the agreement includes the development and testing of mobile access with ultra-broadband technologies, with network function virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) functionalities for 5G network interfaces and architectures, as well as the promotion of 3GPP interworking and standardization activities.
