Plan to Apply IoT Dedicated Network 'LTE-M' and Mobile Navigation 'T-map (T-map)' to Socar
Real-time vehicle control and management possible using IoT dedicated network and LTE technology

Car-sharing services are expected to become faster and smarter going forward.

SK Telecom (CEO and President Jang Dong-hyun, www.sktelecom.com) announced on the 22nd that it plans to partner with Socar (CEO Lee Jae-yong, www.socar.kr) to implement connected cars utilizing IoT dedicated networks and mobile navigation for car-sharing services.


The business partnership signing ceremony held at the headquarters in Euljiro on that day was attended by SK Telecom's Kim Young-joo, Head of Enterprise Biz. Division, and Socar's Kim Myung-hoon, Head of Technology Development Division.

Connected cars are a fusion of information and communications technology and automobiles, enabling real-time data transmission and reception with a control center and allowing functions to be controlled via smartphone. Once connected cars are implemented, users can remotely start engines or turn on air conditioning via smartphone, and drivers can receive lifestyle information such as weather news in real-time. Video and music streaming services can be used, and map search and calls are also possible.

SK Telecom is the only company in Korea to possess a hybrid IoT dedicated network that combines 'LTE-M' and 'LoRa'. SK Telecom plans to introduce LTE-M to Socar for stable implementation of connected cars. Unlike existing 3G-based connected cars, the application of LTE technology enables real-time vehicle control and management. The two companies plan to complete pilot testing by the end of this year and introduce LTE-M to Socar from the first half of next year at the earliest.

An 'infotainment' system combining information and entertainment functions will also be introduced. Initially, the two companies plan to upgrade existing navigation services to Korea's top-ranked mobile navigation 'T-map' for new vehicles. Additionally, in addition to vehicle reservation and extension functions, they plan to install tablet PCs equipped with Bluetooth speakers and car audio features to provide a differentiated driving experience. Since May, they have been building a wireless Wi-Fi environment in Socar vehicles.

The two companies plan to additionally develop new services optimized for 'connected cars' by combining big data collected from Socar, such as real-time vehicle operation information, with SK Telecom's T-map data.

Socar, Korea's top-ranked car-sharing company, launched its service in Jeju Island in 2012, offering reasonably priced car-sharing services. Members who subscribe to the service can use vehicles deployed in residential areas, business districts, and major public transportation connection points at affordable prices for the time needed.

Expected to Be Helpful in Connected Car and Autonomous Vehicle Research as Various Vehicle Big Data Can Be Collected

Car-sharing services have advantages such as reducing the economic burden of automobile ownership and improving parking conditions. With support from younger demographics, Socar's membership grew from 300 to 2.1 million in four years, its fleet expanded from 100 to 6,500 vehicles, and its locations increased from 50 to 2,450 in a short period.

SK Telecom expects this partnership to be beneficial for research on connected cars and autonomous vehicles, which are future industries, since car-sharing service customers have different characteristics by gender, age, and region, and big data can be collected from diverse vehicles ranging from economy cars to luxury vehicles.

Kim Young-joo, Head of SK Telecom's Enterprise Biz. Division, stated, "Connected cars are the area where SK Telecom's three next-generation platforms for future growth—'life value, integrated media, and IoT services' platforms—converge," and added, "By collaborating with Socar, an industry leader in car-sharing, we will continue to develop business models that can contribute to the sharing economy."

Kim Myung-hoon, Head of Socar's Technology Development Division, said, "We look forward to seeing what synergy the IoT dedicated network LTE-M and the national navigation T-map will create when combined with Socar," and added, "We will continue to make efforts to find ways that SK Telecom's various platform areas can be integrated with Socar's sharing economy."