Alcatel-Lucent has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean telecommunications provider, KT, to collaborate to test technologies for the eventual introduction of 5G mobile networks and infrastructure capable of meeting the huge connectivity demands expected in the future. The collaboration will initially focus on Alcatel-Lucent's virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) technology.
Both companies will collaborate to develop the future of 5G network architecture to enable KT to meet the massive connectivity demands which also includes the surge in traffic expected from the Internet-of-Things. The scope of the agreement includes the development and testing of mobile ultra-broadband access, network functions virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN) technologies for 5G network architectures and interfaces as well as the driving of interworking and 3GPP standardization activities.
According to Alcatel-Lucent, KT wants to leverage the flexibilities and efficiencies promised by 5G to offer subscribers a high-quality seamless mobile broadband experience, with new differentiated and personalized revenue-generating services. This is supported by the fact that South Korea has the high smartphone penetration - 72% - and also the highest data usage.
Dong Myun Lee, CTO and Senior Vice President, KT
KT recognizes Alcatel-Lucent as a global leader in vRAN and SDN. We are eager to use their vRAN and SDN technology to help us implement the 5G architecture that we have defined in our GiGatopia Vision.
Chi Il Yoo, Head, Alcatel-Lucent Korea
Alcatel-Lucent has a long-history of innovating to solve the world's biggest communications challenges. We are fully aligned with KT's vision and committed to help KT in its strategic network evolution. We see NFV technologies, such as vRAN as a vital step in this evolution and by working with KT we are further underlining our leadership in this area.
