SK Telecom and Bell Labs, the research arm of Alcatel-Lucent, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a framework for research projects in next generation communications networking. In the area of wireless technology, one potential project involves the two companies working toward defining what the shape of wireless networks, in particular the applications running on those networks, will look like beyond the 4G networks that network operators are intending to launch over the next few years.
Through this cooperative relationship, both SK Telecom and Bell Labs can realize their complementary interests. The former expects to collaborate in core technologies such as interference control, network automation and virtualization in a multi-network environment, which will contribute to optimizing network transmission as well as reducing network maintenance costs. The project will also serve as a platform for Bell Labs to deepen its capabilities in emerging technology areas and broaden the scope of its research programme in Korea.