SKT has virtualized its broadcast transmission system based on mobile edge computing (MEC) technology into a cloud-based system to improve the operational efficiency of local broadcasting stations.

SKT announced on the 18th that it is selling a broadcasting transmission platform utilizing mobile edge computing (MEC) technology to the American media group 'Sinclair Broadcast Group'.

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is a technology that sends and receives data to a cloud close to the user's terminal device rather than a data center.

SKT's 'Media Edge Platform' is a product that virtualizes media transmission equipment by installing SKT's MEC solution and broadcasting software from Cast.era, a joint venture between SK Square and Sinclair, on Dell Technologies' servers.

The most notable feature of the media edge platform is the cloud-based virtualization technology that connects the central broadcasting station with the broadcasting transmission systems in each region.

Previously, if a local broadcaster wanted to increase its channels or add new features, it would have had to purchase and install new broadcast transmission equipment, but with the media edge platform, new broadcasting equipment can be centrally installed in the local broadcaster's cloud. This can be easily solved by remotely installing the application.

In addition, the media edge platform supports the data transmission function of ATSC 3.0, a UHD broadcasting standard, allowing broadcasters to transmit data through the broadcasting network according to their desired schedule. This enables the provision of services such as regional customized advertising and real-time notifications for emergency situations such as disasters.

SKT plans to expand its media edge platform market targeting North American and domestic broadcasting stations where ATSC 3.0-based broadcasting has been commercialized, and to expand its business to the global broadcasting market where ATSC 3.0 is expected to be introduced in the future.

Meanwhile, SKT also plans to globally expand various platforms specialized in 5G MEC through collaboration with Dell. It will actively advance into overseas markets by utilizing Dell’s global sales network, and provide comprehensive services beyond the level of 5G MEC solution sales, including consulting, infrastructure construction, and maintenance services.

Ha Min-yong, Chief Business Development Officer (CDO) of SKT, said, “Through collaboration with Sinclair, a leading North American broadcaster, and Dell, which has a global sales network, we will expand next-generation broadcasting service innovations to the entire world, starting in the United States.”

“We will create new business opportunities in the U.S. broadcast market by leveraging the cutting-edge media edge platform built through our collaboration with SKT and Cast.era,” said Del Parks, Sinclair’s President of Technology.