In the area of ​​wireless technologies, a potential project involving both companies is included to define the form of wireless networks, and in particular the applications that run on these networks, beyond the 4G networks that network operators intend to deploy in the coming years. Another potential area focuses on development methods to facilitate the automatic management and configuration of increasingly complex networks. As network operators aim for greater efficiency, increased demand for these self-optimizing networks is expected.

Through this cooperation agreement, SK Telecom and Bell Labs can pursue their objectives in a complementary manner. SK Telecom expects to collaborate on backbone technologies such as interference control, network automation, and virtualization in a multi-network environment, which will help optimize network transmission and reduce maintenance costs. This project will serve as a platform for Bell Labs to deepen its capabilities in emerging technology areas and expand the scope of its research programs in Korea.

“This agreement is a great opportunity for both companies to collaborate on future backbone telecommunications technologies, combining SK Telecom’s broad range of end-user services and network commercialization capabilities with Bell Labs’ proven R&D strength in the telecommunications field,” commented Jae Wan Byun, Vice President and Head of the Network Technology Institute at SK Telecom.

“We believe that Bell Labs’ preeminent research capabilities in emerging network technologies, combined with SK Telecom’s market expertise, can facilitate new growth opportunities for Alcatel-Lucent and enable SK Telecom to achieve its strategic objectives,” explained Debasis Mitra, Head of Global Research and University Collaboration at Bell Labs.