Considering mobile communication network paths
Promotion of data center installation at base stations, etc.
Data processing speed and enhanced security effects

SK Telecom is partnering with Deutsche Telekom to introduce mobile edge computing technology to 5G. 5G latency will be further reduced, and ultra-high-capacity communication will become faster.
SK Telecom announced on the 13th that it has signed a business agreement with MobiledgeX, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, for collaboration on mobile edge computing technology.

Mobile Edge X possesses platform technology to provide an integrated mobile edge computing environment for various developers and carriers.

Mobile edge computing is a technology that installs data centers or solutions physically close to customers and provides services.

Subscriber data typically moves from a customer's smartphone to a base station → switch → wired network → service provider's data center, but SK Telecom plans to install small-scale 5G data centers at base stations or switches.

Service latency is reduced because data can be processed immediately at data centers in direct contact with customers. Mobile edge computing technology is highly utilized in 5G-based next-generation industries such as autonomous driving, disaster response robots and drones, large-capacity cloud gaming, and AR/VR.

It can also be utilized in B2B business models such as 5G smart factories. This involves directly installing a small-scale data center within the smart factory. Data processing time for data exchanged during the production process is reduced, and data security is further enhanced as business-critical data can be processed internally within the factory.

The two companies agreed to jointly pursue the development of core technologies related to mobile edge computing, platform integration, ecosystem expansion, and business model development.

In particular, the focus is on platform interoperability and ecosystem expansion. Given the current lack of standards for the interoperability or integration of mobile edge computing, the plan is to integrate the two companies' platforms and provide a common platform to global 5G service developers to expand the ecosystem.

Park Jong-kwan, Head of SK Telecom’s Network Technology Institute, said, “Mobile edge computing is a core technology for next-generation 5G-based industries such as immersive media, autonomous driving, and smart factories,” adding, “We will continue technological innovation to provide differentiated 5G services to our customers.”

Eric Brown, Chief Business Officer of Mobile Edge X, stated, “I am pleased to work with SK Telecom, which has been striving for network innovation and the creation of an open developer ecosystem,” adding, “Together with SK Telecom, we will build a foundation for mutual growth among operators and usher in a new 5G era.”