LG Uplus announced that it has decided to provide a total of 10 billion won in funding, with 5 billion won each, to two small and medium-sized strategic partners developing 5G equipment.

The companies selected this time are network equipment manufacturer Ubiquoss and transmission equipment manufacturer Cowiver.

These companies will be responsible for the development and supply of key equipment for LG Uplus's 5G deployment. Ubiquos will develop and supply access network backhaul equipment for information processing at the subscriber level, while Cowiver will develop and supply MUX (Multiplexer), which carries multiple optical signals on a single optical cable to reduce optical fiber lines, and monitoring devices that manage them.

Accordingly, the two companies are expected to create a more stable technology development environment, enhance their 5G equipment technology capabilities, and increase their competitiveness to see an increase in sales.

LG Uplus, which is actively leading the localization of equipment, plans to enhance mutual cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises by introducing domestic equipment into the 5G sector.

Since 2016, LG Uplus has been providing funds necessary for the development of new technologies and products to its major partners through interest-free loans, thereby laying the foundation for enhancing the competitiveness of domestic equipment manufacturers.

In 2016, funds of 20 billion won were secured, and interest-free loans were first implemented for 30 companies, and currently 29 companies are using the 20 billion won interest-free.

Kim Jong-seop, Head of Shared Growth and Purchasing at LG Uplus, stated, “We plan to prioritize the application of domestically produced equipment to 5G services,” adding, “We are continuously exploring various support measures to foster mutual growth with small and medium-sized partner companies.”He said.