SK Telecom on Thursday launched what it calls its ‘5G Playground’, which aims to bring together its various research activities into new technologies and services under one roof.
The Korean operator also announced plans to launch a trial 5G service in 2017; however, it did not elaborate on the size and location of the trial, or exactly when it will take place.
"At 5G Playground, SK Telecom will work relentlessly with global leading companies to develop 5G technologies and services, while building a 5G ecosystem that brings benefits to all stakeholders," said SK Telecom CTO Alex Jinsung Choi, in a statement.
Located at the operator’s R&D facility in Bundang, the 5G Playground is comprised of the 5G Testbed, the ‘Virtual Experience Room’, and the ‘T Open Lab’.
The Testbed encompasses the joint research initiatives SK Telecom has undertaken with various kit makers, including Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Intel, and Rohde & Schwartz. These cover areas including new air in terfaces and virtualised core and access networks, among others.
The Virtual Experience Room will see SK Telecom develop new services based on technologies including augmented reality, table-top computers, and ultra-high-definition (UHD) video transmission.
Meanwhile, the T Open Lab will provide a space for start-ups and SMEs to tap SK Telecom’s R&D infrastructure to develop new 5G services.
"SK Telecom is delighted to announce the opening of 5G Playground, which will serve as a hub for innovations towards achieving 5G, which holds the power to turn our imaginations into reality," Choi said.
