To address the need for delivering differentiated values to customers with 5G, SK Telecom is working with Ericsson to build an end-to-end 5G trial network by the end of this year. 5G will impact the entire mobile network and associated eco-system, from devices to radio access, core and into the cloud. The latest results from the high frequency band Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes, radio access products that can be installed indoors or outside, mark a significant milestone in the company’s joint development efforts. Recent testing confirmed over 25 Gbps peak throughput.

Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network R&D Center at SK Telecom, says: “SK Telecom is focused on technology innovations that will ensure the early success and rapid adoption of new 5G services for our customers and we are collaborating on end to end 5G field trials with Ericsson. By leveraging MU-MIMO, Massive MIMO and beam tracking, we are clearly demonstrating peak throughput of more than 25 Gbps that shows the commercial viability of millimeter wave band spectrum for 5G.”

SK Telecom is a technology innovator and long-time Ericsson customer. In addition to joint activities based on the Ericsson 5G Radio Test Bed since 2014, the companies have also worked together on 5G network slicing technology. The companies’ end-to-end 5G network will include both of these access and core elements. 5G will support growing mobile broadband and video demand on smartphones and other mobile devices. 5G will also enable new IoT applications for connected cars, remote control of heavy machinery in hazardous environments, remote surgery and immersive augmented reality.

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson, says: “SK Telecom shares Ericsson’s commitment to drive 5G innovation to benefit consumers, business and industry, so it is great to see the progress of this important partnership. As 5G development accelerates worldwide, the leadership position that SK Telecom and Ericsson have taken, signals the way forward for the industry.”

Ericsson and SK Telecom are leading and driving the 5G standards work from pre-standard field trials through standardization activities along with influential standards bodies and industry.