1. KT SK Telecom LG U+ Samsung The Korea Communication Review (ISSN 2384-2792) is published quarterly by Netmanias.com. Publisher/Editor Dr. Harrison J. Son son@netmanias.com Associate Editor Dr. Michelle M. Do misun.do@netmanias.com Advertising Sales Yunhee Son sonshinepark@netmanias.com Business Development Chris Yoo cmyoo@netmanias.com Netmanias.com Korea Communication Review Q2 2017 © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com FEATURED: 5G in Korea Leaders Netmanias.com: The one and only portal dedicated to network and communication in Korea Netmanias.com, a portal dedicated to network and communication founded in 2002, has been providing a venue for professionals in the industry to obtain and share knowledge on wired/mobile network service/infrastructure, latest trends and key technologies in the network and communication industry for the past 15 years. Netmanias.com’s English site launched in 2012. Covered Topics: 5G, 4G, X-Haul, Gigabit Internet, IoT, IPTV, SDN/NFV, Korea Operators As of January 2017, Netmanias.com has more than 47,000 subscribers and 1,100,000 visitors annually. The Trusted News and Resource for Korean ICT Market and Technologies
2. © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Table of Contents | KCR Q2 2017 Korea ICT News | 09-27 • KT's verification of four key 5G ultra-real view services and demonstration of autonomous driving and drone delivery • Samsung Electronics Completes Acquisition of HARMAN • SK Telecom and SK Broadband jointly wins GLOMO Awards 2017 • Jio and Samsung Shift the Indian LTE Mobile Market Landscape Once Again with the “I&G Project” • Samsung Networks Booth Showcases Potential Future of Mobile Communications at MWC 2017 • SK Telecom and Nokia Sign Cooperation Agreement for Quantum Cryptography • Samsung and Deutsche Telekom Successfully Demonstrate 5G Guaranteed Latency at MWC 2017 • SK Telecom Successfully Tests LTE-Advanced Five-Band Carrier Aggregation on its Commercial Network • Global Mobile Industry Leaders Commit to Accelerate 5G NR for Large-scale Trials and Deployments • Samsung Announces Complete Portfolio of Commercial 5G Products and Solutions • Samsung and KT Sign Contract to Supply NB-IoT Solutions that Accelerates Operators’ Nationwide IoT Service Launch • Samsung and Verizon Announce First 5G Customer Trials Set to Begin in Q2 2017 • KDDI and Samsung Successfully Demonstrate 5G Handover Using 28GHz Spectrum on a City Highway in Tokyo • World’s First 5G Federated Network Slicing Grants Global Reach • Samsung Announces Commercial Readiness of its 5G RFIC • ChairmAn Hwang Chang Kyu to transform KT into a platform provider with over 20% of its revenues coming from platform business by 2020 • SK Telecom, Ericsson and BMW Korea Realize 3.6 Gbps for 5G Connected Car • KT opens up Home AI era with GiGA Genie, the world's first AI TV • SK Telecom and Nokia Successfully Develop the World’s First MCPTT Solution Over VoLTE • SK Telecom to invest $9.2 bilLion over the next three years - $4.2 billion for new ICT ecosystem and $5.0 billion for futuristic network (5G, 2.6 GHz, etc.) • 2016 communication service quality evaluation - Average LTE speeds of 120.09 Mbps • SK Telecom Names Park Jung-ho President and CEO Articles: 5G in Korea 03-08 | Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang - Immersive services, 5G autonomous driving bus, MR, and more 28-33 | Analysis of Global 5G Development - 5G Standardization so far 34-42 | Analysis of Global 5G Development - Korea: KT 43-45 | 5G network technologies and future analyzed by South Korean telcos 46-51 | KT shaping IoST strategies - focusing on NB-IoT Netmanias.com HQ: 201, Hanho Building 33, Nonhyeon-ro 64-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06228, Rep. of KOREA Netmanias USA: 5214 36th Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98105 USA Contact: +82-2-3444-5747 | tech@netmanias.com
3. Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang - Immersive services, 5G autonomous driving bus, MR, and more Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 3 1. Four key 5G immersive services - tested in actual games held during PyeongChang Rehearsal Games 5G immersive services initially tested in the 1st test event in February 2016 were tested again in the 2nd test event held in February and March this year. KT selected four key 5G immersive services and had them offered and tested in actual games during this Hello PyeongChang Test event (2016.11 - 2017.04). 1) Sync View • Technologically verified in real games on Bobsleigh World Cup Training Day hosted by International Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation (IBSF) in March 2017 • Transmits super-high-quality (4K UHD) video in real-time using an ultra-small camera, position sensor and mobile communication module • Allows viewers to watch the games from the perspective of players This time, LTE modules were used for transmission of UHD (4K) video in the test, but they will be replaced by 5G modules when this service is actually used in the Olympic event. Given the average speeds of 120-150 km of bobsleigh, the Sync View technology will further evolve to be applied to fast- moving objects or sports, offering UHD immersive video streaming. 2) Interactive Time Slice • Technologically verified in real games during the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships games held by the International Ice Skating Union (ISU) in February 2017 • All 100 cameras installed in different angles are shooting what's happening at the same time • Lets viewers interactively choose the screen and angle they want to watch with The 2nd test event: Four key 5G immersive services KT's 5G trial services that it had developed for 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games were presented to the world at an ongoing test event called Hello PyeongChang (since last November until April). With around 300 days until the Olympic, the telco is carrying out various demonstrations in the test event where actual games as well as the Olympic rehearsal are being held. KT has been testing its 5G services developed based on 'KT 5G specifications' (also known as 'PyeongChang 5G specifications') in the actual games using a 5G trial network that it deployed - also based on the same specifications - around the PyeongChang Alpensia Resort area. Last month (on the 14th), KT hosted '5G Media Day' in the resort, presenting and demonstrating 5G services that it developed for the Olympic event, including the following two categories: 5G Immersive service: 5G immersive service enables viewers to have the same experience that players at arena have and feel as though they are actually in the arena by streaming games through 5G gears like camera, communication equipment and sensors attached onto players, sports gears and arenas, so that viewers can watch using their mobile apps. KT's four key 5G immersive services are: • Sync View • Interactive Time Slice • 360 °VR Live • Omni Point View New 5G services that debuted: • 5G autonomous driving bus and drone delivery • MR torch relay and VR Walk Through The test event offered a great opportunity to learn about the PyeongChang 5G network, look into 5G service tested in actual games, and take a sneak peek into 5G services to be launched soon as to be discussed below.
4. Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 4 The 2nd test event: Four key 5G immersive services Sync View CAM • LTE / 5G (2018.02) • UHD (4K) • 60 fps • Remote Control • Live Broadcasting (2018.02) Sync View SimulatorBobsleigh Service on device screen 2017.03 IBSF Bobsleigh World Cup 100 cameras installed Watching from the angle you want Sync View Service Interactive Time Slice service
5. Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 5 360°VR Live service Omni Point View service VR Zone on the 2nd fl. of stadium Waiting room Omni Point View App 2017.02 FIS Cross-Country World Cup GPS module
6. Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 6 distributed architecture to ensure user traffic and services are processed at the edges of the network. The access network features advanced C-RAN architecture where CUs (Central Units) are separated from DUs (Distributed Units (BBU-RFU), and that allows all of the 5G radio access functions not requiring real-time processing to be located in CUs while other functions requiring real-time processing are located in Baseband Units (BBUs). KT is now deploying a trial network that has a central core node in its 5G R&D Center in Seoul (Umyeon-dong) and each distributed core node, designed to processing traffic and services in the Olympic area, in HoengGye CO and GangNeung CO near PyeongChang/ JeongSeon/GangNeung areas. At the edges of this network are CUs that are in charge of processing non-real time functions. Also, BBUs and antenna (RFUs) are deployed across the cell sites near arenas to handle real-time functions of the base stations. CUs and BBUs are built in PyeongChang 5G Center, and the CUs are connected to core nodes located in HoengGye CO. 3. 5G autonomous driving bus KT gave demonstrations of a 5G autonomous driving bus and drone delivery in the 5G test network that it had deployed around the PyeongChang Alpensia Resort. Windows on the bus served as transparent display panels that display driving information and images, and passengers on the bus could experience other 5G immersive services like AR and hologram. The bus, co-developed Hyundai Motors, is equipped with some of the newest features like autonomous driving control technology developed in collaboration with Unmanned Solution and vehicle connectivity technology based on the telco's Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication solution. 3.1 5G autonomous driving test network and coverage For demonstration of the bus, the telco launched three cell sites around the PyeongChang Alpensia Resort that offer eight sectors of 5G coverage. Of the three sites, two non-mobile cell sites support 4- sector and 2-sector, respectively while the third mobile one equipped with a 5G 3) 360°VR Live • Technologically verified in real games during the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships games held by the International Skating Union (ISU) in February 2017 • Three 360°cameras installed in each of the three designated locations (i.e. the waiting room, kiss & cry zone and rink area,) capture players and arena and offer 360°views to viewers in the VR zone. • Viewers in the VR zone can virtually watch every place in the arena through Head Mounted Display (HMD). 4) Omni Point View • Technologically verified in real games during the Cross Country World Cup games hosted by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in February 2017 • Cameras connected to 5G modules are installed across the slopes and ultra- small GPS modules are attached onto skiers • Videos are streamed from cameras installed in areas and slopes, and from ones attached to skiers as well • Lets viewers experience the event from the perspectives of a player of their choice or from specific points they want on the mobile devices in real time Omni Point View app will be expanded to Omni View app that serves as a portal where 5G immersive services can be offered, presenting a 5G Virtual Arena for the Olympic. 2. PyeongChang 5G trial network The system of PyeongChang 5G network will be built based on 'PyeongChang 5G specifications', a pre-standard specifications. KT, No. 1 IPTV service provider in the nation, has had keen interests in next-generation media services, such as massive content live broadcasting, and has been attempting to make the services a new 5G-driven business model that supports ultra-fast speeds and ultra-low latency. The Olympic Games will give the telcos a great opportunity to have the relevant services and technologies checked out and shared by users and players in the market. For live broadcasting, low-latency transmission is required at the end-to-end level as well as across the air link. And for that reason, the core network in 5G PyeongChang Network is designed to have CP: Control Plane UP: User Plane CU: Central Unit BBU: Baseband Unit RFU: RF Unit PyeongChang 5G trial network architecture RFU PyeongChang 5G Center HoengGye CO BBU BBU RFU App./Cache 5G Core (CP/UP) 5G R&D Center Seoul (Umyeon-dong) PyeongChang Area GangNeung Area CU CU BBU 5G Core (UP) CU App./Cache 5G Core (UP) App./Cache GangNeung CO CU RFU
7. After detecting another vehicle approaching (in the left), the vehicle stopped (in the right) Lidar sensors Velodyne SICK Lidar sensors Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 7 base station and antenna supports 2- sector. The bus comes with 5G devices by Samsung and Ericsson. The 5G base station and devices use an operating frequency band of 28 GHz, and can support maximum data rates of up to 20 Gbps per cell and 3.2 Gbps per device. 3.2 Key characteristics of KT's autonomous driving KT's autonomous driving offers the following three benefits: • Ultra-low latency live broadcasting: KT, the No. 1 IPTV service provider in the nation, is paying particular attention to live broadcasting enabled by 5G's ultra low delay, to switch from VoD-oriented service to real-time broadcasting. To do this, core functions (UP) were re-located closer to edge nodes, where services are offered, successfully providing lower network response times. • Real time monitoring of moving objects leveraging precision positioning: 5G autonomous driving bus and autonomous driving drones receive DGPS (Differential GPS) correction information transmitted from the communication control center located in HoengGye CO through the 5G network. As a result, the accuracy of positioning information received has greatly improved to give data with higher precision (up to cm level), compared to the conventional GSP data with greater allowable errors (10 m or higher), making real-time, precision monitoring of moving objects. • Precision sensor control: The bus is technically well equipped with high- precision sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, as an anti- collision feature. The bus features KT's newest control technologies applied in high-precision sensors like accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, as an anti- collision feature. 3.3 5G autonomous driving demonstration 5G autonomous driving solutions like Safe driving, drone delivery, mobile multi- media transmission, were demonstrated. 1) Safe driving - A vehicle stops after detecting another vehicle approaching in the front. In the demo: Once the bus entered into self autonomous driving mode, the driver let go of the handle, initiating self-driving mode. The front window of the bus served as a display panel, showing information on UE RFU (Samsung) UE RFU (Ericsson) GW-C GW-U CU, BBU, RFU Seoul (Umyeon-dong) HoengGye CO PyeongChang sites (5G Bus route) Core Network Access Network RF U RFU UE KT 5G autonomous driving bus 5G autonomous driving test network architecture
8. Sneak preview of KT's 5G Olympics in PyeongChang | Dr. Michelle M. Do and Dr. Harrison J. Son (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 8 stayed connected, talking about ice hockey. The motions and voices of the person in Seoul were detected, transmitted and displayed as holographic avatar on the TV screen in the bus. 4. Mixed Reality (MR) - 'VR Walk Through' There were demonstrations of 'MR torch relay', a representative example of Mixed Reality (MR) that integrates the reality and virtual reality. VR HMDs and tracking sensors were offered for visitors to try 'VR Walk Through', experiencing the virtual space themselves. MR torch relay During the demonstration, the Olympic flame lit in Greece traveled to PyeongChang via mobIle phone as an virtual image, then on to a real torch in reality, and then back to another torchbearer in the virtual space. VR Walk Through The 'VR Walk Through' gave visitors chances to walk around with VR gears and have the same experience in the virtual space themselves as they had seen in the 'MR torch relay' demonstration. Unlike VR services so far that only allowed for non-mobile experience, the VR Walk Through let users actually walk around and experience virtual objects. During the demonstration, a voluntary tester wearing a VR HMD and tracking sensors capable of detecting locations and motions of the tester could enter the virtual space where he became a torch bearer. The motions of the tester were detected from the sensors on his body, and synchronized into the virtual space, which made him look like walking in the virtual space. VR Walk Through features: • 'Room scale' - lets you walk around in the virtual space • ‘3D mapping’ - maps spaces in the reality and VR • ‘VR streaming’ - enhances freedom of movement between spaces n driving and location of the vehicle. When a vehicle approaching is detected, a warning saying "A vehicle approaching ahead" appeared and the bus stopped automatically. The bus started again when the vehicle passed by. The bus collects DGPS calibration data, including precision positioning data about itself and vehicles or obstacles nearby, from the communication control center. Lidar sensors attached onto the front corners of the bus help to detect vehicles and obstacles nearby and avoid them. During the demonstration, the self-driving bus moved at an average speed of 15 Km/ h, and actually stopped itself when it detected snowflakes in decent sizes falling from the sky, recognizing them as some kind of obstacles. 2) Drone delivery During the demonstration, the bus driver pulled over at a mailbox on the bus route and picked up a package delivered by a self-flying drone. The drone also used DGPS calibration data collected from the communication control center to locate the mailbox and deliver the package. 'MR torch relay' demonstration 3) Mobile multi-media transmission Thanks to 5G communication that realizes real-time transmission of ultra-high capacIty content, viewers can experience next-generation media services like Super- multi View Interactive Display and Hologram Live. • Super-multi view interactive display: Streams ultra-high capacity 3D video being captured from many different angles in real time, converts into 3D video, and display it on a flat screen TV so that passengers in the bus can watch 3D right on the screen. • Hologram Live: The Hologram Live demonstration showed how two persons - one in Seoul and the other on the bus - A bus driver is picking up a package delivered by a self-flying drone at a mailbox Hologram Live: The motions and voice of the person in Seoul are transmitted and displayed in the bus in PyeongChang
9. KT's verification of four key 5G ultra-real view services and demonstration of autonomous driving and drone delivery 03/22 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Korea ICT News & Articles 1) Sync View Transmits super-high-quality video in real-time using an ultra-small camera, position sensor and mobile communica- tion module, allowing viewers to watch the games from the perspective of players. Technical verification in real games: on March 14th, Bobsleigh World Cup Training Day hosted by International Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation (IBSF) 2) Interactive Time Slice All 100 cameras installed in different angles are shooting what's happening, letting viewers interactively choose the screen and angle they want to watch with. Technical verification in real games: On February 16, during the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships games held by the International Ice Skating Union (ISU), viewers could watch skaters performance in different angles. 3) 360° VR Live Events are captured and streamed by 360-degree cameras and using Head Mounted Display (HMD) equipment, offering real views of virtually every place in the arena. Technical verification in real games: On February 16th, during the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships games held by the International Skating Union (ISU), 360 degree views of skaters performing were streamed to viewers in VR zone. KT held a press conference at the PyeongChang Alpensia Resort in Gangwon province last week (on 14th), offering opportunities to learn and experience 5G-based integrated/ converged services which will be intro- duced during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Highlights of the Key 5G-based integrated services · Four key ultra-real view services - 2nd test event for PyeongChang 5G trial services • Sync View • Interactive Time Slice • 360 ° VR Live • Omni Point View · MR Torch relay and VR Walk Through · Autonomous driving bus and drone delivery service Initially, KT presented 5G ultra-real view services in its 1st test event held in February 2016, and some more in the second test event that has just started this month. During the 'Hello PyeongChang' test event being held currently (from November 2016 through April 2017), four key ultra-real view services are being offered and verified in real games. During the verification, other latest services by KT including MR torch relay, VR walk- through, 5G-based autonomous driving and drone services were also showcased. ■ Four key ultra-real view services - tested in real games (Rehearsal Games for PyeongChang Olympic) During the Hello PyeongChang test event (2016.11 - 2017.04), recognized as a rehearsal of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, KT successfully carried out tests of four key ultra-view services in the sports arena. 4) Omni Point View Lets viewers experience the event in virtual 3D space, enjoy 3D virtual view from the perspectives of a player of their choice or at specific points they want on the mobile devices in real time. Technical verification in real games: On February 4th, viewers were given chances to watch their favorite players' play streamed to their mobile devices from cameras connected to 5G modules installed across the slopes during the Cross Country World Cup games hosted by the International Ski Federation (FIS) KT will continue to cooperate with international game federation, relevant associations and the Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS), which oversees the Olympic broadcasting, in order to have the four key ultra-real view services successfully presented in the actual PyeongChang Olympic Games. ■ Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) MR torch relay At the conference, Mr. Sung-mok Oh, the head of Network Division at KT, gave a preview of MR torch relay which is under development. MR technology is known to be adopted in the PyeongChang Olympic torch relay. The Olympic flame lit in Greece will travel to Pyeongchang via mobile phone as an virtual image, then on to a real torch in reality, and then back to another torchbearer in the virtual space. © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 9 Sync View simulator
10. Virtual Reality Walk Through KT 's next-generation VR service, 'VR walkthrough', was also unveiled. Unlike VR services so far, which only offered 360 degree views from certain fixed locations, it allows viewers to walk around and experience virtual objects. Viewers with a VR HMD and a real-time 'tracking sensor' (location and motion-sensible) can enter into the virtual reality, where they can be the final runner in the torch relay. ■ Autonomous driving bus KT gave a demonstration of 5G autonomous driving bus in the 5G test network that it had deployed around the Pyeongchang Alpensia Resort. The 5G test network, built based on the PyeongChang 5G specification, features distributed core network and advanced C- RAN architectures. With three 5G base stations (two in fixed locations (4-sector and 2-sector), and one in a vehicle (2- sector) operating the network runs in 28 GHz band with the maximum transmission rates of 20 Gbps per cell, and 3.2 Gbps per device. The 5G bus gives added safety by leveraging information about the locations of other vehicles and obstacles that is being shared by the vehicle control center. Precise positioning-based controlling is possible as DGPS calibration information is collected. 5G autonomous driving functions like safe driving and drone delivery were show- cased as well. Safe Driving A vehicle stops after detecting another vehicle approaching in the front. Drone delivery A self-flying drone delivers a package to a mailbox installed on the road where 5G buses travel so the recipient can pick it up. In addition, the 5G bus is equipped with a 'Super-Multi View Interactive System' that allows users to watch 3D images without using any wearables and a hologram live system, letting users experience massive media services. Samsung Electronics today announced on February 11 it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (“HARMAN”). Under the terms of the merger agreement, HARMAN stockholders will receive $112.00 per share in cash. The completion follows the satisfaction of all conditions to the closing of the transaction, including approval of the transaction by HARMAN stockholders and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. “Today is a historic moment for us. The close of this transaction opens the door to create substantial growth opportunities and deliver greater benefits for customers worldwide,” said Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Electronics, and Chairman of the Board, HARMAN. “We see transformative opportunities in the car – and a future which seamlessly connects lifestyle across automotive, home, mobile and work. Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 10 Samsung Electronics Completes Acquisition of HARMAN 03/12 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Mr. Sung-mok Oh, the head of Network Division at KT said "We will ensure that South Korea shows its IT power again by presenting amazing 5G-based services to people all over the world during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games".n After detecting another vehicle approaching (in the left), the vehicle stopped (in the right) Drone delivery: A self-flying drone delivers a package to a mailbox installed on the road where 5G buses travel so the recipient can pick it up.
11. Korea ICT News & Articles Samsung’s and HARMAN’s leadership in these spaces perfectly positions Samsung to be the preferred partner to our OEM customers. In addition, bringing together HARMAN’s iconic audio brands and capabilities paired with Samsung’s leading display technologies will deliver enhanced audio and video experiences to consumers and professional end markets. And most importantly, we are enthusiastic about our common vision, the similarities in our culture of innovation, and the added value we can create for customers. We look forward to working with all of HARMAN’s employees to execute on our vision.” “We are excited to have completed the transaction, which provides compelling cash value to our stockholders, benefits our customers and provides new opportunities for our employees,” said Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN President and CEO. “Samsung shares our commitment to our customers and our culture of speed, innovation and execution. Samsung provides HARMAN with the scale, platform and complementary technologies to accelerate growth and extend our global market leadership in automotive, smart audio and connected technologies. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in an increasingly connected world, particularly in automotive, we are poised to leverage our combined teams and resources to produce even greater value for our customers. Working closely with automakers and other technology companies, Samsung and HARMAN will define – and drive – the future of automotive.” In connection with the completion of the transaction, HARMAN’s common stock will cease trading prior to market open on March 13, 2017 and will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. HARMAN will operate as a standalone Samsung subsidiary, overseen by a Board of Directors led by Mr. Sohn. Mr. Paliwal will remain CEO of HARMAN, leading the Company with his management team, and will continue to serve as a member of its Board. Samsung is retaining HARMAN’s work force, headquarters and facilities, as well as all of its consumer and professional audio brands. n Available to all users including non-SK Telecom subscribers, oksusu boasts a differentiated pool of video content by offering approximately 115 different live TV steaming channels and over 17,000 diverse movies. oksusu also provides exclusive original content in collaboration with broadcasting houses and MCNs (Multi-Channel Networks) and its own 360 VR content to meet customers’ varying needs and interests. SK Telecom applied a sophisticated personalization engine to offer a truly optimized experience for each user based on big data and also ‘T Live Streaming,’ the world’s first true real-time mobile streaming technology, which reduced latency to 3 seconds, allowing more users to experience true real-time streaming services. n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 11 Samsung Electronics Completes Acquisition of HARMAN SK Telecom and SK Broadband jointly wins GLOMO Awards 2017 03/01 | By Netmanias (tech@netmanias.com) SK Telecom announced that ‘oksusu,’ its mobile IPTV service jointly operated with SK Broadband* was recognized by the GSMA as the ‘Best Mobile Video, TV or Film App’ category at the Global Mobile(GLOMO) Awards 2017 at Mobile World Congress 2017. * SK Broadband is a wholly owned subsidiary of SK Telecom which provides IPTV, broadband internet and telephony services in Korea The ‘Best Mobile Video, TV or Film App' category is presented to the very best and most compelling apps in the field of media, film, TV and Video content under the category of Best Mobile Apps.
12. Samsung announced on February 28 its innovative “I&G (Infill & GrowTh) Project” for Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd in India. This joint project was established to upgrade current LTE mobile communica- tion services across India by expanding both the current network capacity as well as network coverage. The project sets a high benchmark for LTE services in India through wider coverage, in-building penetration and the highest speeds, regardless of the user’s location. Utilizing spectrum in the 850, 1800 and 2300MHz bands, it will enable seaMless indoor and outdoor coverage in dense urban areas. The project will also extend Jio’s superiority in rural areas by expand- ing its reach to over 90% of the population. Previously, Samsung provided the LTE core, base stations and solutions required for VoLTE services, as well as massive deployment services for establishing a nationwide network for Jio. The two companies have successfully established the world’s largest greenfield LTE network. “I am excited to announce our new project with Samsung,” said Jyotindra Thacker, President of Reliance Jio Infocomm. “We successfully achieved 100 million subscribers in 170 days, making us the fastest-growing company in the world, and the numbers continue to rapidly grow. It was possible because we introduced a truly effective LTE service, Pan-India. We are committed to bringing Game-changing digital experiences to India with superior ecosystems, mobile content, all-IP networks and ongoing process innova- tions.” “As Jio’s end-to-end LTE solutions partner, it is a great pleasure for Samsung to contribute to Jio’s tremendous success,” said Youngky Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “The massive deployment of over a million cells across India is especially remarkable. We will strive to create new paradigms for LTE-Advanced Pro and 5G by closely cooperating with Jio as a unified workforce.” Jio stands as an innovator which transformed the telecommunications sector in India last year. The company has already established itself as the leading data service provider in the country within a few months of commencing operations. It was also India’s first operator to introduce free-of-charge High Definition calls (VoLTE). This is especially notable, as this approach is now becoming a new market rule in India. Samsung, as Jio’s strategic partner, has established a foundation for Indians to enjoy exclusive services, including voice calls, with data as their engine. It has also gone a step further, enabling Jio to offer a superior service to its users by providing professional solutions such as Samsung VoLTE, Quality Monitoring and Analysis (VoMA) and Cognitive Traffic Monitoring and Optimizer for a superior user experience. Further, it was through Samsung’s VoMA that the steady management of high traffic in data-dense environments was enabled. The tools monitor and optimize mobile data services, and have successfully contributed to enabling Jio to provide its subscribers with a stable and improved user experience. The relationship between Jio and Samsung goes back to 2012, when the two companies signed a turn-key agreement covering the entire scope of network, ranging from equipment to establishment and maintenance services. n Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 12 Jio and Samsung Shift the Indian LTE Mobile Market Landscape Once Again with the “I&G Project” 03/01 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Samsung VoLTE, Quality Monitoring and Analysis (VoMA) Jio and Samsung Shift the Indian LTE Mobile Market Landscape Once Again with the “I&G Project”
13. Samsung Networks Booth Showcases Potential Future of Mobile Communications at MWC 2017 02/28 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Korea ICT News & Articles The Samsung Networks Booth at MWC 2017 showcases a range of exciting potential applications for 5G technology – the next phase of mobile connectivity – as well as the lengths Samsung is taking to make those possibilities reality. Featuring interactive exhibits exploring the company’s latest mobile technologies, solutions and developments, including its announcement of the world’s first end- to-end 5G product portfolio, Samsung’s Networks Booth demonstrates the company’s commitment to enriching users’ lives through relentless technology innovation. n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 13 Samsung’s new end-to-end 5G product lineup includes 5G chipsets (RFIC and Modem), a 5G Radio base station – Access Unit(top left), a 5G Home Router – Customer Premise Equipment(top right), and a Next-Generation Core. As illustrated here, when placed in a window, facing a 5G Radio base station, the 5G Home Router will offer users gigabit home broadband service. When 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) networks expand to diverse use cases, they’ll offer a highly advanced and flexible means to provide network connections for many different devices, including IoT technology and even connected cars. As more devices connect, they’ll require more base stations to support them, which typically connect to the network via fiber optic cables. This exhibit elaborates on how 5G wireless backhaul will connect base stations directly to the core network, which means more data capacity in a given area and easier deployment for terminals like CCTV and signage. With 5G, video analysis technology, which could feasibly be used to identify individuals on video feeds, will benefit from high- speed data transmission, edge computing, accommodate citywide HD video feeds and real-time video processing, and also become easier to apply in a range of business areas. Samsung also announced a full lineup of small cell products for homes and enterprises that support shared spectrums (CBRS and LAA) and wireless access points – to tackle network overload and service quality degradation, especially in indoor environments.
14. · Plans to interoperate SK Telecom’s Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) System with Nokia’s optical transport system · SK Telecom envisions to turn Internet of “unsecure” Things into Internet of “secure” Things using ultra-small Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) SK Telecom today announced that it entered into an agreement with Nokia to cooperate in the quantum cryptography business. Under the agreement, SK Telecom and Nokia will conduct joint research and development activities to achieve interworking between SK Telecom’s Quantum Key Distribution System (QKD) and Nokia’s next-generation optical transport system by the second half of this year. SK Telecom and Nokia have been working together closely from 2016 for interoperation of SK Telecom’s quantum technologies with Nokia’s optical transport system. The first prototype of this collaboration, also known as Quantum Transport System, is being demonstrated at Nokia’s booth (Hall 3, 3A10) during the 2017 GSMA Mobile World Congress. Geungtae Kim, Chief Marketing Officer at Innowireless, noted “RTT is the Korea's first high-end IoT total testing solution developed solely by our own technology. We are confident That RTT will be able to drastically improve overall efficiency in the process of solution development and quality management." n Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 14 Samsung and Deutsche Telekom Successfully Demonstrate 5G Guaranteed Latency at MWC 2017 02/27 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) SK Telecom and Nokia Sign Cooperation Agreement for Quantum Cryptography 02/28 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) The quantum cryptography communication is known as the most secure form of communication encryption that cannot be broken with any existing hacking technology. Quantum cryptography is expected to replace the existing security solutions in all areas at risk of data hacking, including national defense, finance, autonomous vehicle and the Internet of Things (IoT). Under the agreement, the two companies will also cooperate in the area of Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), a technology necessary for applying quantum cryptography technologies to IoT devices. SK Telecom’s QRNG is the world’s smallest 5x5mm CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) based all-in-one, single silicon (ASIC) providing non-deterministic true random numbers on demand from quantum-shot noise. SK Telecom plans to tape out engineering samples of QRNG chip (ASIC) in the second quarter of 2017 and commercial launch is planned by the year end. SK Telecom envisions using QRNG for Internet of “secure” Things (IoT). “Since opening Quantum Tech Lab in 2011, SK Telecom has been making constant efforts to develop quantum cryptography technologies,” said Park Jung-ho, CEO and President of SK Telecom. “Based on the cooperation with Nokia, SK Telecom will create a new paradigm and ecosystem in the field of ICT.” “With SK Telecom’s quantum cryptography technologies, we have secured the basis for building the most secure network security solution,” said Rajeev Suri, CEO of Nokia. “We will respond proactively to rapidly growing demands of the cyber security market with these technologies and solutions.” Samsung Electronics and Deutsche Telekom have successfully showcased 5G Guaranteed Latency (GLA) as an end-to- end network slice at MWC 2017. GLA is one of the key differentiators that clearly distinguishes 5G technology from the previous 4G. It is viewed as highly critical for the 5G era, as it enables latency control, low and stable, for example, according to the requirements of specific use cases. During the live demonstration at Deutsche Telekom’s booth, two robotic arms were connected to Samsung’s 5G radio system which incorporates GLA technology. When GLA was applied to both of the robotic arms for the guarantee of low and controlled latency, a box was successfully delivered from point A to B, as they moved in a synchronous harmony within the set amount of time. On the contrary, when GLA was applied to only one of the arms, the different latencies caused the arms to differ in speed, causing the box to drop. GLA will gain importance especially in industrial use cases where accurate synchronization between machines are critical. “5G signifies more than ultra-fast speed. With low latency, close to what is expected of ‘real-time’, unprecedented business models and services can be generated,” said Youngky Kim, President and Head of the Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
15. Korea ICT News & Articles SK Telecom today announced that successfully tested LTE-Advanced (LTE- A) five-band carrier aggregation (CA)* on its commercial network. * SK Telecom’s bandwidth resources as of February 2017: - 10MHz bandwidth in the 800MHz band, - 20MHz bandwidth in the 1.8GHz band, - 10MHz bandwidth in the 2.1GHz band, - 10MHz + 20 MHz bandwidths in the 2.6GHz band Since June 1, 2016, SK Telecom has been providing 500 Mbps LTE-A Pro service by applying 256 QAM technology to its tri- band LTE-A CA network. Also, the company has acquired additional spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band in May 2017, securing the basis for LTE-A five- band CA. In addition, SK Telecom has successfully demonstrated the application of MIMO to its tri-band CA network, thereby securing the capability to provide 900 Mbps data speeds. With the application of 4X4 MIMO - a technology that doubles the transmission speed - to a 20 MHz bandwidth of a frequency band, users will be able to download data at maximum rate of 400 Mbps per frequency band. SK Telecom and Samsung Electronics are demonstrating this LTE-A Pro technology at Samsung booth during the MWC period, and plan to commercialize it within the first half of 2017. "Through the demonstration of LTE-A Pro with SK Telecom, we have proven that it is not long before we realize the commercialization of 1 Gbps mobile communication, a dream speed in LTE," said Park Dong-soo, Executive Vice President of the Network Business at Samsung Electronics. "We will lead the advancement of mobile technologies toward the very last stage of LTE evolution and secure a bridgehead into the 5G era." Meanwhile, SK Telecom also announced that it, together with Ericsson, successfully demonstrated Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), the technology that uses unlicensed spectrum together with licensed spectrum for 4G LTE radio communication. By aggregating 80MHz in licensed and unlicensed spectrum and applying 4X4 MIMO technology, peak data rates of 1 Gbps is achievable. The two companies are demonstrating the technology at Ericsson booth during MWC 2017. “The 5G GLA showcase, jointly conducted with Deutsche Telekom, has proven that an accurate and stable operation of latency control is a feasible concept. We believe that this is a key element in enabling operators to create new business models, including industrial use cases.” “In the 5G era, the ability to control latency in the entire end-to-end network chain guarantees users an unprecedented level of Quality of Service, which would have otherwise been not possible with past technologies,” said Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Chief Technology Officer, Deutsche Telekom. “Today’s event is significant, as this innovation makes the application of 5G for industrial use cases more tangible. Through our ongoing partnership together, we will continue to actively make 5G a reality.” Related to end-to-end latency, each step and element with the 5G end-to-end network chain carries an impact, meaning that Radio Access should not be an exception. With GLA, based on 3GPP’s Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), in particular, each network element must control its latency contribution. Guaranteed latency is an aspect of Quality of Service (QoS) that is guaranteed with Samsung’s GLA feature, which is part of its 5G radio system. The feature enables efficient operation of scarce radio resources, in turn guaranteeing efficient time management and investment. This makes it an ideal option for various sectors, including those requiring real-time communication such as industrial services and autonomous cars. n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 15 SK Telecom Successfully Tests LTE-Advanced Five-Band Carrier Aggregation on its Commercial Network 02/27 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) · Demonstrates five-band CA as well as tri-band CA applied with 4× 4 MIMO with Samsung Electronics · Demonstrates LAA technology that supports peak data speeds of 1Gbps with Ericsson at MWC 2017 SK Telecom Successfully Tests LTE-Advanced Five-Band Carrier Aggregation on its Commercial Network
16. Per Narvinger, Head of Product Area Network Systems at Ericsson said “With LAA, subscribers will be able to enjoy an even better LTE experience as unlicensed spectrum is used to boost data speeds. The LTE and Wi-Fi users will coexist in a fair way in the unlicensed bands and end users will benefit in indoor as well as outdoor environments.” “With continued advancement of UHD video and virtual reality technology, there is growing a need for faster mobile telecommunications services,” said Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Technology R&D Center of SK Telecom. “SK Telecom will pursue ceaseless innovations in not only 5G, but also in LTE-A Pro so as to provide our customers with the world’s best mobile experience.” n timeline the earliest 5G NR deployments based on standard-compliant 5G NR infrastructure and devices will likely not be possible until 2020. Instead, the new proposal introduces an intermediate milestone to complete specification documents related to a configuration called Non-Standalone 5G NR to enable large-scale trials and deployments starting in 2019. Non-Standalone 5G NR will utilize the existing LTE radio and evolved packet core network as an anchor for mobility management and coverage while adding a new 5G radio access carrier to enable certain 5G use cases starting in 2019. The new proposal and the intermediate milestone also re-affirm and solidify the schedule for the complete standard, including Standalone 5G NR in Release 15. The supporting companies are further committed to make forward compatibility a key design principle for the standardization of the first release of 5G NR. This will enable in-band introduction of new capabilities and features in subsequent releases critical to enabling yet to be identified industries and use cases and achieving the 5G vision to connect everything to everything. Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 16 The proposal is consistent with 3GPP’s commitment to enable a flexible evolution and inter-working of the radio access network towards 5G NR and the evolution of the core network towards the 5G System. As proven by the broad Industry support, this proposal delivers the ability to address the increasing global demand for enhanced mobile broadband services with 5G NR in 2019, while continuing to address the broader vision for 5G NR in 2020 and beyond. n Global Mobile Industry Leaders Commit to Accelerate 5G NR for Large-scale Trials and Deployments 02/27 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Today a contingent of mobile communications companies announced their collective support for the acceleration of the 5G New Radio (NR) standardization schedule to enable large- scale trials and deployments as early as 2019. AT&T, NTT DOCOMO, INC., SK Telecom, Vodafone, Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., British Telecom, Telstra, Korea Telecom, Intel, LG Uplus, KDDI, LG Electronics, Telia Company, Swisscom, TIM, Etisalat Group, Huawei, Sprint, Vivo, ZTE and Deutsche Telekom will support a corresponding work plan proposal for the first phase of the 5G NR specification at the next 3GPP RAN Plenary Meeting on March 6-9 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The first 3GPP 5G NR specification will be part of Release 15 – the global 5G standard that will make use of both sub-6 GHz and mmWave spectrum bands. Based on the current 3GPP Release 15 Global Mobile Industry Leaders Commit to Accelerate 5G NR for Large-scale Trials and Deployments About Netmanias.com Netmanias.com: The one and only portal dedicated to network and communication in Korea Basic information Content Subscribers Our Team Contact +82-2-3444-5747 tech@netmanias.com
17. Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 attractive alternative to often-costly FTTH deployments. The 5G Radio Base Station itself is a natural extension of today’s LTE small cells, designed to be installed in a dense configuration that allows for very high network capacities. The system supports 28GHz mmWave spectrum – a common frequency in leading 5G markets – and is capable of providing up to 10Gbps among devices within its coverage range. With an emphasis on compact size and easy installation, Samsung aims to make 5G network deployments less resource- intensive compared to today’s LTE small cell deployments. A Fully Virtualized Core Network As the centralized point of control and direction for network traffic, the core network plays a critical role, and Samsung’s Next-Generation Core Network infrastructure provides a significant leap in performance and flexibility in line with the requirements and demands of emerging connectivity use cases. With a shift to a software- driven architecture, the virtualized core gains the ability to flexibly split network resources, and even individual network functions, in order to maintain peak operational efficiencies. One example of this is the ability to allow data-heavy internet-bound traffic to exit the service provider’s network closer to the user, reducing the potential for congestion within the operator’s network, while potentially improving service responsiveness for users. Network-wide Management Capabilities The shift towards a virtualized, or software-driven, network architecture brings a greater degree of complexity in managing the various systems as well as the highly dynamic configuration and traffic routing potential. By leveraging similarly powerful Maintenance and Operation (MANO) systems, as well as localized virtual Element Management Systems (EMS), Samsung can ensure that each component of the network is running at peak efficiency, and in full coordination with the network overall. The network management systems are designed to handle the complexities of next- generation architectures while providing network operations staff with intuitive controls to manage and fine-tune service delivery and network performance. From Here to Commercial Launch With pre-commercial versions of these products and solutions already under deployment with operators in the US, Korea and Japan, Samsung’s 5G product portfolio represents the final leg of the journey towards industry 5G adoption. Leveraging additional experience from trials planned for 2017, Samsung’s 5G products will drive the first wave of commercial 5G deployments and will help to ensure a successful and smooth introduction of entirely new services and use cases as the mobile industry ushers in a new era of connectivity. Going forward, Samsung will focus on extending its 5G portfolio with support for Below 6GHz 5G connectivity. Adopting 3GPP Release-15 specifications is another priority, and Samsung’s 5G portfolio is designed to be upgradable to 3GPP standards as they are finalized. Samsung also showcased the launch of a its 5G RFIC and ASIC modem chipsets that will power the next generation of 5G network infrastructure, including Samsung’s 5G Home Router and 5G Radio Base Station products. n 17 Samsung Announces Complete Portfolio of Commercial 5G Products and Solutions 02/26 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Global Mobile Industry Leaders Commit to Accelerate 5G NR for Large-scale Trials and Deployments At a press conference held at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya today, Samsung Electronics unveiled its end-to- end portfolio of 5G mobile network products and solutions for 2017. Showcased products included consumer devices for fixed wireless access connectivity, a 5G Radio Base Station (5G Access Unit), Next-Generation Core Network infrastructure and more. With pre-commercial versions of the equipment already under deployment in trial networks across the globe, Samsung’s commercial 5G portfolio is backed by a continually growing foundation of experience, knowledge and concrete trial results. “Samsung has been focused on 5G R&D for nearly half a decade, and this portfolio launch represents the culmination of a lot of hard work and industry engagement,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Executive Vice President and Head of Next Generation Communications Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “With pre- commercial deployment of our 5G products already underway in the US, we’re starting to see some of the earliest evidence of the potential for new and compelling 5G-driven services – it will be exciting to see it evolve as we move forward on our roadmap.” At the Network Edge While Samsung has been a long-time vendor of 3G and LTE home femto products, Samsung’s compact 5G Home Router (Customer Premise Equipment, or CPE) represents exploration of new territory – from extending the mobile network towards planting a new fixed wireless network. The 5G Home Router will provide direct and straightforward connectivity to the wireless network, with the simple placement of the 5G Home Router in a window facing a nearby 5G Radio Base Station. A peak data rate of up to 1Gbps will allow service providers to dimension networks that provide an
18. Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 Samsung Electronics has signed a solution contract for Narrow Band – Internet of Things (NB-IoT) with KT on February 24, 2017. Samsung and KT have set the preparation for NB-IoT to complete early this year for official commercialization and newly develop IoT market. The companies plan for a NB-IoT base station upgrade and virtualized Core deployment which will be followed by a commercial nationwide network launch by the second quarter of this year. NB-IoT, with its ability to make use of the existing 4G LTE infrastructure including the base station and antenna, is a huge benefit as this means that the time required for establishment can be greatly reduced. It also means that the coverage of areas that were covered by 4G LTE network can be guaranteed. Further, with repeaters being deployed at coverage holes such as mountainous regions, and underground spaces, IoT service will be available anywhere LTE service is provided. “The commercialization of NB-IoT will expand boundaries in the world of IoT, enabling us to position ourselves at the forefront in the IoT market.”, said June Keun Kim, Senior Vice President and Giga IoT Business Unit Leader of KT. “We aim to discover business models across business fields, one of the main examples being the KT-developed life jacket that protects users by communicating with surrounding objects in urgent situations during mountain climbing. This type of discovery and development, in essence, will introduce a new set of values to our customers.” “NB-IoT is a technology that enables the communication between objects, given that LTE is available in the area. It will allow customers to enjoy IoT services signals to a virtualized core network that is set up within Verizon’s data centers. Samsung’s next-generation core solution is software-driven and designed on a scalable platform to accommodate operator needs. In pre-commercial testing started from early December last year, the 5G system demonstrated multi-gigabit throughputs at radio distances of up to 1,500 feet (500 meters) across each of the different environments selected for the customer trials. The Samsung 5G system is designed to be upgradable to support 3GPP standards for New Radio and Next-Generation Core, once available. Samsung and Verizon 5G customer trials will begin in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas and Washington, D.C., with a fifth location in Michigan starting trials later in Q2 2017. The locations represent varying terrain, neighborhood layouts and population density. Joint trials will incorporate Samsung’s pre-commercial 5G solution featuring a CPE(Customer Premise Equipment), window antenna as well as its 5G radio and core solutions. Verizon will include fixed wireless network service that provides wireless Internet access and Voice over IP (VoIP) calling. “We are excited to deliver the first end- to-end 5G connectivity in the United States with Verizon,” stated Youngky Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “This represents a major leap forward in offering 5G fixed wireless access to consumers. The 5G challenges we will address, and the customer feedback we receive will help lay the foundation for future business models and customer applications.” “We are pleased about the progress made with partners like Samsung on advancing 5G technology commercially,” said Roger Gurnani, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Architect, Verizon. “Delivering 5G to these pilot customers are an important step in assessing the business model and customer experience for delivering wireless broadband via 5G. Samsung’s early and extensive development in 5G has been very valuable in contributing to Verizon’s 5G Technology Forum progress.” n regardless of their location, including mountainous regions or in-building areas,” said Jinsoo Jeong, Senior Vice President and Head of Domestic Business Marketing in Network Business, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung, as KT’s strategic partner for the commercialization of NB- IoT, is pleased to be able to partake in the process of forming a ‘connected world’ that will truly connect people and objects together.” NB-IoT, in contrast with 4G LTE that utilizes bandwidth of 10~20MHz at a time, uses a narrow bandwidth of 200KHz. This essentially means that the technology is suitable for cases that demand low throughput and low use of device’s battery, with electricity/water supply inspection and location tracking being some of the main examples of appropriate use case. It is expected that the technology will generate a myriad of business opportunities by blurring lines across industries, as can be seen with the development of smart irrigation system designed to provide an unprecedented level of accuracy in the monitoring and managing of farming sites. 18 Samsung and KT Sign Contract to Supply NB- IoT Solutions that Accelerates Operators’ Nationwide IoT Service Launch 02/24 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Samsung and Verizon Announce First 5G Customer Trials Set to Begin in Q2 2017 02/23 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Samsung Electronics and Verizon today announced they have completed deployment of 5G systems in five U.S. cities in preparation to begin customer trials of 5G technology. The customer trials, beginning in April, will deliver fixed wireless access to customers through 5G connectivity in order to gauge user experiences, evaluate the performance of 5G technologies, and help streamline the delivery of mmWave 5G across various environments. The 5G trials involve innovative network systems, including the use of 28GHz millimeter wave spectrum and advanced beam-forming antenna technology. Samsung’s 5G Access Units, installed throughout a city’s business and residential neighborhoods, will link radio
19. KDDI and Samsung Successfully Demonstrate 5G Handover Using 28GHz Spectrum on a City Highway in Tokyo 02/22 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Korea ICT News & Articles Electronics. “Through today’s demonstration, we have proven that challenges that are likely to occur at highly dense metropolitan areas can be successfully overcome when the right technologies are implemented. Together with KDDI, we look forward to taking steps toward the realization of 5G-driven services.” Handover between 5G base stations is a required element to maintain a seamless data connection during a user’s movement between base station coverage, making it a critical enabler of 5G commercialization. As 5G communication technology utilizes beam forming technology that tightly focuses radio waves into narrow beams, both the device and base station need to rapidly search for the optimal beam combination, calculate the ideal radio signal, and seamlessly relay data traffic between base stations. Ever since the deployment of KDDI’s commercial CDMA network in 2002, Samsung has been closely cooperating with the operator through to the latest LTE-A technologies. The two companies have extended and strengthened their partnership in order to tackle the challenges and potentials of 5G, an area that Samsung has been focusing its research on since 2011. n KDDI and Samsung Electronics today announced they have successfully completed a 5G handover trial. It is Japan’s first ever 5G multi-cell handover test using the 28GHz spectrum to be conducted in a real outdoor environment, on Tokyo’s metropolitan expressway amongst towering skyscrapers. The 5G handover was successfully carried out in a test divided into two scenarios. First, a 5G device mounted on a vehicle that travelled at a speed limit of 60km/h drove between two 5G base stations on a metropolitan expressway. The second scenario was designed to verify the characteristics and performance of the 28GHz spectrum in Line of Sight (LOS) and Non Line of Sight (NLOS) environments. At the LOS environment, the vehicle drove through the heart of the city and as a result, a maximum throughput of 3.7Gbps was achieved. This is especially the case with highly dense metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, packed with skyscrapers as well as a myriad of obstacles of various materials from glass and concrete to wood and metals. “We are pleased to have proven the feasibility of 5G mobility service in Tokyo, one of the densest cities in the world,” said WooJune Kim, Vice President and Head of Next Generation Strategy at Samsung · SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, and Ericsson successfully demonstrate optimized end-user experiences with 5G roaming · Federated network slicing for 5G roaming extends customers’ desired functionalities and service parameters into visited networks SK Telecom announced today that SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom (DT), Ericsson have jointly built and demonstrated the world’s first intercontinental 5G trial network. SK Telecom and DT network slices are now available in the other operator’s footprint - Korea and Germany are connected. A proof-of-concept has been implemented and successfully evaluated, featuring the creation and roaming extension of network slices optimized for Augmented Reality (AR) and maintenance services. The successful demonstration was hosted at DT’s corporate R&D center in Bonn, Germany and SK Telecom’s 5G Testbed at Yeongjong-do (BMW driving center), Korea. © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 19 World’s First 5G Federated Network Slicing Grants Global Reach 02/15 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) World’s First 5G Federated Network Slicing Grants Global Reach
20. It follows the joint announcement at MWC Shanghai 2016 by SK Telecom, DT, and Ericsson of their global partnership to develop the groundbreaking 5G technology for such a network. ”5G is not just a faster network. 5G will provide extreme user experience anywhere and anytime, even when the user roams across different operators globally”, says Alex Jinsung Choi, CTO SK Telecom. “Federated network slicing will enable seamless platform sharing amongst operators at a global scale for continuous and guaranteed user experience.” “Our customers are demanding global connectivity with a unified service experience,” says Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, CTO Deutsche Telekom. “Network slicing is envisaged as a key enabler to support multiple services in the 5G era. Today’s breakthrough shows we can extend that concept to ensure optimized service experiences with global reach for our customers.” Ulf Ewaldsson, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Ericsson says, “5G is the network for all industries. Network slices in the context of 5G will be like ‘virtual networks on-demand’. With this world’s first intercontinental 5G trial network, we truly demonstrate the provisioning of network slices to global customers when abroad.” In 5G, network slicing will allow the operator to configure an end-to-end network that provides the desired overall functionality and service parameters. Federated network slicing for 5G roaming extends this concept to a visited network. This technology will make it possible for an operator to provide a network service globally, making sure that the customer does not need individual agreements with different operators for a global service experience. New cooperation models A pre-requisite for federated network slicing for 5G is an enhanced cooperation model where operators open up their network to host partner services. The home and visited operators must have Team at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to finally bring all the pieces together and announce this important milestone on the path to commercial 5G. This will have a big role to play in the upcoming connectivity revolution.” Samsung announced the new RFIC at a 5G mobile technologies workshop held at the Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences. The company presented details on the development and strengths of the chip and outlined its role on the roadmap to commercial 5G products. The RFIC itself is designed to greatly strengthen the overall performance of 5G access units (the 5G ‘base station’) and Samsung has placed a strong emphasis on designing for low cost, high efficiency and compact form factors. Each of these criteria is expected to play a critical role in delivering on the promises of 5G. The RFIC incorporates a high-gain/high- efficiency power amplifier, a technology Samsung announced in June last year. This means the chip can provide extended coverage in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band, overcoming one of the primary challenges of high frequency spectrum. At the same time, Samsung’s RFIC is capable of greatly improved transmission and reception performance. The RFIC’s ability to reduce phase noise in its operating band enables clearer radio signals even in noisy environments where signal quality loss would otherwise disrupt high-speed communications. Completing the chip is a compact chain of 16 low loss antennae, which further enhance overall efficiency and performance. Samsung’s current RFIC is slated for use in the 28GHz mmWave spectrum band that has very quickly become a primary target for early 5G deployments in markets such as the U.S., Korea and Japan. With development on the chip complete, Samsung is now accelerating Its plans for 5G commercial product readiness, with the first RFIC-equipped solutions expected to be announced early next year. n Korea ICT News & Articles © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 20 agreements in place that enable the recreation of a given network slice in the visited network. These agreements should cover aspects such as: network slice availability at the access layer (cellular, fixed), availability in the core network and the connection to customer application servers. The hosting of edge cloud resources by the visited network enables the execution of special business functions that demand high throughput and low latency, close to the customer in the visited network. The proof-of-concept uses federated network slicing functionality to run components of the 5G core of the home network in the visited network. The demo featured an industrial maintenance use case involving a repair worker communicating via AR with support colleagues in a visited network. The scenario uses local breakout and edge cloud to enable the best service experience in terms of latency and throughput for the AR repairman. n Samsung Announces Commercial Readiness of its 5G RFIC 02/20 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Samsung Electronics announced the commercial readiness of its 5G RF Integrated Circuit (RFIC) – a key component in the production and commercialization of next-generation base station and other radio access products. “Samsung has been hard at work for several years on the various foundation technologies that go into the 5G RFIC,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Executive Vice President and Head of Next Generation Communications Business
21. Chairman Hwang Chang Kyu to transform KT into a platform provider with over 20% of its revenues coming from platform business by 2020 02/20 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Korea ICT News & Articles To this end, instead of sticking to traditional business models used in Internet portal or mobile app business, the company will seek ways of offering customized services and solutions that better fit the needs of customers (end users or enterprises) by fully leveraging its technological prowess in IPTV, big data, cloud, etc. The 5G era, set to begin in 2~3 years, will likely serve as a critical foundation for KT to position itself as a successful platform provider. The company is making every endeavor possible as a ‘5G pioneer’, for example, launching the world’s first 5G trial service during the PyeongChang Winter Olympic event to be held in one year. Chairman Hwang declared five key platforms - media, smart energy, enterprise/public value enhancement, financial transaction, safety – that he planned to make key future business areas for the company. His goal is to transform the company into a successful platform provider that supplies it with over 20% of its revenue coming from non- communication sector by 2020. Way out Second, to continue the transformation it has made for the past three years, KT has to find a way out to overcome barriers that it has faced while operating its business so far. He also stressed the importance of setting an aggressive strategy to enter the global market. Leadership Third, he emphasized KT will take the lead in initiatives in all areas, like environment and safety, as well as ICT to become No. 1 company in Korea. n · Key businesses in the future: 5 key platforms - media, smart energy, enterprise/public value enhancement, financial transaction, safety · New level of services and solutions driven by intelligent network and ICT capabilities Last week, at the ‘2017 New Year Strategies Workshop’, KT Chairman Hwang Chang Kyu unveiled a blueprint for the management strategies in his second term, announcing his great ambition to boost ‘five key platforms’ (media, smart energy, enterprise/public value enhancement, financial transaction, safety) for the three years to come. Positioning as a platform provider with five key platforms (media, smart energy, enterprise/public value enhancement, financial transaction, safety) Firs of all, to ‘lead the rapidly changing market’, Chairman Hwang strongly believed KT should evolve from a traditional telco to an intelligent network based platform provider. · Begins trial operation of the network today and plans to commercialize it in April 2017 · The evolution of the railway communications network from analogue to LTE network will enable real-time transmission of video to all related personnel SK Telecom today announced on Febrary 9, 2017 that it, together with Busan Transportation Corporation (BTC), has deployed the world’s first LTE-R, a standard for the next-generation railway communication system, on Busan Subway Line 1. Since entering a contract for the deployment of LTE-R with BTC in August 2015, SK Telecom has built the network for Busan Subway Line 1, which is 40.48 kilometers long with 40 stations, using 10MHz bandwidth in the 700MHz frequency band. SK Telecom and BTC today launched pilot operation of LTE-R and plan to commercialize the network in April 2017. The migration of the railway communications network is expected to dramatically enhance safety and convenience of railway service. Unlike traditional analogue communications networks (VHF & TRS) that only support voice calls or radio contact, LTE-R enables control room staff, subway drivers, station employees and rescue workers to share information instantly in diverse ways, including real-time image/ video file sharing and group calling/text messaging. For instance, in case of a train accident, real-time video of the train taken by an employee can be transmitted to all other employees - including those located at control room and preceding and following trains - as well as related agencies at the same time to understand the situation and take prompt and systematic measures. Moreover, any employee with an LTE-R device can make announcements within a train or station; and receive pop-up _alerts of incoming trains during repair or maintenance work. n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 21 SK Telecom Completes Deployment of LTE-R for Busan Subway 02/11 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com)
22. SK Telecom, Ericsson and BMW Korea Realize 3.6 Gbps for 5G Connected Car 02/07 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) Korea ICT News & Articles Moreover, the ultra-high transmission speed at millimeter waves is expected to have a huge impact on all 5G use cases including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), drones and robots. For instance, companies will be able to develop innovative 5G services, including a service that allows users to watch VR content within a moving bus or a drone that sends real-time video of a disaster- stricken area to provide a better understanding of the situation. Furthermore, with much faster transmission speeds over the 5G network, media services including 4K UHD image, VR live broadcast and 3D video services will experience further improvements. Meanwhile, in January 2017 SK Telecom has announced its plans to build a “New ICT Ecosystem,” which encompasses 1) autonomous driving and connected car, 2) AI and big data, 3) smart home, 4) energy management, 5) media, and 6) global content. “Connected car is regarded as the barometer for 5G as it can only be realized through the combination of all 5G technologies. As ultra-high speed and ultra-low latency are prerequisites for realizing autonomous driving and immersive media services, the 3.6 Gpbs transmission speed we successfully demonstrated today not only brings us a step closer to realizing autonomous · Achieved 3.6 Gbps speed at 28 GHz band for a connected vehicle moving at 170 Km/h through the application of SK Telecom’s advanced beamforming and beam tracking technologies · Expect the enhanced data communication speed to improve stability and safety of connected car, and realize realistic media services SK Telecom today announced that it, together with Ericsson and BMW Korea, has realized a peak rate of 3.6 Gbps for a connected vehicle travelling at a speed of 170 Km/h. The demonstration took place at BMW driving center located in Yeongjong Island, Incheon, where the three companies have successfully deployed the world largest mmWave 5G trial network using the 28 GHz band and demonstrated the world’s first 5G-based connected car in November 2016. Through the application of its advanced beamforming and beam tracking technologies, SK Telecom was able to address the limitations of millimeter wave bands stemming from the fact radio waves in these bands use high gain and high directivity antenna, which causes signals to be often blocked by _objects standing in their path and have smaller coverage. The 3.6 Gbps of data rate realized today by the three companies significantly enhances the stability of connected car services by improving image recognition and V2X (Vehicle to Everything Communication) technologies. That is, a vehicle will be able to communicate, in real time, with other vehicles, traffic lights and surveillance cameras to understand and respond to unexpected situations and obstacles and remain within the lane in a much shorter time. driving, but will also have a great impact on a broader range of industries.” “SK Telecom will continue to work closely with global players to develop 5G technologies and launch innovative 5G trial services.” n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 22 SK Telecom, Ericsson and BMW Korea Realize 3.6 Gbps for 5G Connected Car KT opens up Home AI era with GiGA Genie, the world's first AI TV 01/30 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) KT unveiled GiGA Genie, the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) TV set-top box (and also service) at a press conference held on the 17th. The company said the new device/service, developed based on network technologies grafted onto AI know-how it has long accumulated, will bring a new paradigm to consumer services. The service will be available for sign up on the 17th with the actual service scheduled to begin by the end of January. GiGA Genie is the world’s first IPTV service featuring AI, and will provide Home Assistant service through TV, the center of our everyday life today. The GiGA Genie service, named from Genie of the lamp and GiGA, the company’s brand, refers to a new IPTV set-top box and also an AI-based home assistant service.
23. Korea ICT News & Articles interfaces displayed in different LED colors and with different characters on the TV home page based on conversations between the user and Genie. It responds to ‘GiGA Genie’, ‘Hey Genie!’, ‘Hey friend’ or ‘Honey’ as a user chooses. Unlike most ‘audio-centric’ AI speakers so far that have primarily focused on voice recognition, GiGA Genie comes with a built-in camera that interworks with TV, offering ‘audio/video-centric’ AI service. Effortless installation process makes it more appealing to customers. All users have to do to enjoy the new home AI service is to replace an existing set-top box connected to the TV with a GiGA Genie set-top box. When the TV is turned on, the home page will appear displaying options like Olleh TV, music, voice calls, home cameras, calendar, traffic, life and so on. As a user speaks, the set-top box will listen and follow the commands that the user gives. Because this process is viewed on the TV monitor, users have a more intuitive way to monitor the process. To ensure GiGA Genie offers the best voice recognition performance, distant speech recognition as well as the world best Korean recognition technology was applied. With the Korea’s first interactive TV with voice recognition feature and natural language processing technology, GiGA Genie can have AI conversations with users. Also, its deep-learning platform helps voice recognition and conversation technologies evolve even further. Media Service Examples: olleh TV (IPTV), genie (music streaming), etc. GiGA Genie enables users to effortlessly enjoy rich contents provided by olleh TV as well as live TV channels by simply saying what they want, for example, “Genie! Show me *** channel!”. They can watch whatever olleh TV channel through VOD. Or they can simply say “Show me a sports channel” to move to a sport channel. Music service from 'Genie' is one word away too. Users can listen to any song they want, from dance and jazz to classic and pop, by saying the name of a song and artist. AI Home Assistant Service Examples: food delivery, calling taxi, etc. The AI home assistant service available from GiGA Genie is designed to help make users’ everyday life easier through features like scheduling and food delivery. - Food delivery: When a user says “Genie! I want to eat ***”, the GiGA Genie will display a list of restaurants near the user © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 23 Heon-moon Lim, the President of KT's Mass general business division, introducing GiGA Genie The GiGA Genie device was developed in partnership with one of the leading global audio equipment providers 'Harman Kardon'. It features spaceship-motif, sleek design and high-power (35W) performance, and comes in three colors – black, red and white. The device can collect data from customer information and usage history that users provide and also through built-in cameras. It also features useful and interesting user Gyu-tae Baek, head of the service research center at KT, explaining the underlying technology of GiGA Genie ■ Services offered GiGA Genie offers services in the following four categories: · ‘Media service’ in cooperation with olleh TV, genie (music), etc. · ‘AI home assistant service’ to help users organize their schedules and life · ‘Home IoT hub service’ to help control home IoT devices · ‘Communication service’ for voice and video calls 'GiGA Genie' device
24. Korea ICT News & Articles which is KRW2,200 more expensive than olleh TV UHD set-top box. Users subscribing to olleh TV 12 or higher plan can use the service at KRW4,400 per month. Non-olleh TV subscribers can purchase a GiGA Genie set-top box at KRW299,000. ■ Leadership in helping AI platform and ecosystem grow KT set a goal to make the new set-top box an essential platform at home by taking advantage of its 1.2 million IPTV subscribers per year. Then it aims to introduce specialized data service upgraded with advanced technologies like speech recognition and emotionally personalized conversation. KT will also expand the GiGA Genie platform to various sectors like energy and automobiles, and lead initiatives to build an AI ecosystem utilizing its well- established 5G and IoT Alliances along with key ICT technologies it has gained like intelligent network infra and big data. Starting from January 17th, an exhibition will be held in Gwanghwamun KT Square, offering visitors opportunities to experience GiGA Genie. Heon-moon Lim, the President at KT's Mass general business division said, "We are certain that this technology-intensive GiGA Genie, developed on the foundation that deliver ***, and call a place that he/ she chooses to order delivery. - Bus or subway information: Before leaving home, users can check the bus or subway stops and schedule information and even get a map. Users can check how many minutes later the bus is arriving at their stop by saying “Genie! When is the bus arriving?” - Calling Taxis: Saying “Genie! Call a taxi to go to the city hall!” will connect to Kakao Taxi to get a taxi. - Other services: Other convenient services like search on Wikipedia, weather or exchange rates check, setting alarms, etc. Home IoT Hub Service Examples: IoT control for Doorlock, home cam, indoor air control, gas valve, etc. GiGA Genie can control IoT devices at home all at once as it is compatible with 11 home IoT devices including doorlock, home cam, air doctor and gas valve control. For example, users can unlock the door by saying "Genie! Unlock the door!". And when they leave, they can check whether the gas valve is shut off or not, and shut it off by saying "Genie! Shut off the gas valve!" Communication Service Examples: voice calls and video calls Internet phone-based voice call feature lets a user answer the call by saying "Genie! Answer the phone!" After finishing the call, the user can go back to the TV or music channel he/she was enjoying. GiGA Genie uses the world's first anchor shot technology and built-in full HD camera (6 million pixels) to offer excellent video call quality. Anchor shot is a technology designed to track the face of a person who is right in front of the camera, and video-tape him/her by tracking his/ her face. Video calls can be made between GiGA Genie users, and with other smartphone users as well. ■ Prices of plans and devices Current olleh TV subscribers can simply replace their set-top box in use with a GiGA Genie set-top box. The new set-top box is available for lease at KRW6,600 per month with three years commitment, of AI and big data technologies that we have accumulated for almost 20 years using our wired/wireless network infra, will bring innovation at our home." He added "With the launch of GiGA Genie, we will continue to remain committed to provide better, differentiated AI service to our customers" n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 24 GiGA Genie Eco System SK Telecom and Nokia Successfully Develop the World’s First MCPTT Solution Over VoLTE 01/23 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) SK Telecom and Nokia have jointly developed the world’s first “Mission- Critical Push-To-Talk (MCPTT)” solution, which is a next-generation push-to-talk communications technology over VoLTE, and demonstrated the solution at Nokia's Research and Development Center in Kraków, Poland. As the standard for mission-critical-voice functionality over LTE adopted by the 3GPP standards body, MCPTT enables efficient communication among hundreds of rescue workers by using a dedicated channel at times of massive disasters. Unlike the existing IP-based push-to-talk, which is heavily affected by the number of
25. Korea ICT News & Articles successful completion of the public safety network project in Korea, while actively seeking new business opportunities in the global market.” n users on the same network, MCPTT ensures high-quality communications as it uses the VoLTE network and supports a stable group communications service - even when there is a surge in users - through the application of Group Communication System Enabler (GCSE)* based on evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS)**. * GCSE is an eMBMS-based group communication technology adopted by 3GPP. ** eMBMS is a technology that can transmit large-volume multimedia content to massive users at once over wireless LTE network. For this reason, emergency service organizations such as police and fire fighting agencies in countries like Korea, the United States and Great Britain called for the development of MCPTT, and as the result the technology has been standardized in March 2016 by the 3GPP standard body through close cooperation and active participation of these relevant organizations. SK Telecom plans to utilize the MCPTT solution for Public Safety-LTE (PS-LTE) and LTE-Railroad (LTE-R) in Korea and also expects to expand its reach to countries that are currently promoting the public safety network projects such as the United States and Great Britain. “For the first time in the world, SK Telecom and Nokia have successfully developed MCPTT, the core solution for public safety networks,” said Shim Sang- soo, Senior Vice President and Head of Infra Business Promotion Office. “SK Telecom will continue to contribute to the The proposed investments, intended to foster a new ICT ecosystem, will be made primarily in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving and IoT areas where the impacts on convergence among industries are expected to be greatest. SK Telecom’s subsidiaries, SK Broadband and SK Planet, are also known to join the initiative. SK Telecom spokesman said, “Should the 5 trillion won ($4.2 billion) investment be executed for the new ecosystem as planned, it will lead to new growth-related industries,” and added an optimistic projection that the effects include 9 trillion won ($7.6 billion) in production and the creation of some 60,000 new jobs. At the CES 2017, Park Jung-ho, CEO at SK Telecom, visited booths offered by global ICT players like Samsung, Nvidia, Intel, etc., discussing possible cooperation in development of new IoT technologies like AI, autonomous driving, and fostering the new ecosystem. ■ Expanded partnership through $4.2 billion investment in building and fostering new ICT ecosystem The telco defines the new ICT ecosystem as 'a fully open system that creates new values through converging innovative technologies like AI, bid data and IoT, and services'. It aims to focus on establishing the new ecosystem for AI, autonomous driving/connected car, IoT (smart home, © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 25 SK Telecom and Nokia Successfully Develop the World’s First MCPTT Solution Over VoLTE SK Telecom to invest $9.2 billion over the next three years - $4.2 billion for new ICT ecosystem and $5.0 billion for futuristic network (5G, 2.6 GHz, etc.) 01/19 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) On the 11th, SK Telecom broked the news that it will invest a total of $9.2 billion, specifically $4.2 billion in building a new ICT ecosystem and $5.0 billion in deploying future network (5G, 2.6 GHz, etc.) over the next three years, in partnership with global leading companies like Samsung and Nvidia, and startups. New ICT ecosystem designed by SK Telecom
26. Korea ICT News & Articles ■ Investment in next-generation networks - 5G and 2.6 GHz networks SK Telecom has set strategies to further strengthen its competitiveness in network quality by investing $5.0 billion in futuristic networks like 5G and 2.6 GHz networks by 2019. Wireless communication · Further improve the quality of wireless communication through investment in 2.6 GHz network · Launch 5G trial service in the second half of 2017 and commercial 5G service in 2020 through standardization of 5G global standards and investment in prerequisite technologies Wired communication · Expand Giga Internet and UHD coverage · Develop streaming distribution technology for media service CEO Park said "SK Telecom will foster a new ICT ecosystem. We will not do it alone. We will do it through sharing and cooperating with others." He added "I hope the new ICT ecosystem will serve as a new engine to drive economic growth in the country just like semi-conductors have been so far." n more efficient energy management, etc.) and closely cooperate with players in the market, global or local, big or small, and even with its competitors if needed. SK Telecom will also team up with its affiliates in the ICT sector like SK Holdings C&C and SK Hynix. Specifically, in order to generate synergy effects utilizing AI and cloud technologies they have, the telco and SK Holdings C&C plan to upgrade 'T Map' navigation service, and expand to the autonomous driving sector through mutual cooperation. ■ Roadmap to new ICT ecosystem · Host an IoT open house - full supports required throughout the entire process of launching a new service, including IoT training and service planning, hardware development, network interworking tests, etc. will be provided to developers and startups with ideas and potentials. · TIP ecosystem acceleration center - The Telco Infra Project (TIP) co- organized by SK Telecom, Facebook, Nokia, Intel, etc. will open an acceleration center in Seoul in the first half of 2017. Through the center, the telco will help to local startups to grow and successfully enter the global market. · T developers - Added support for T developers, a channel for supporting developers, to facilitate technical infra support and API sharing and promote the developer community. · Cowork and partnership between industry and academia will be promoted, for example, through internship opportunities for college students © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 26 Fostering and nurturing new ICT ecosystem 2016 communication service quality evaluation - Average LTE speeds of 120.09 Mbps 01/12 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) On the 28th of last December, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) announced the results of '2016 communication service quality evaluation' mainly in two categories: Wireless Internet (LTE, 3G, WiBro, WiFi (Telco, Public)) and Wired Internet (Giga and high-speed divisions). ■ Wireless Internet Service LTE service, which includes '3Band LTE- A', 'Wideband LTE-A', and 'Wideband LTE', was found to have average data rates of 120.09 Mbps (in DL) and 41.93 Mbps (in UL). The DL rate remained almost the same compared to 117.51 Mbps last year, but the UL rate was improved by 1.56 times to 26.84 Mbps. LTE transmission success rates were 99.62% (in DL) and 99.28% (in UL). For 3G service, LG U+ EV-DO Rel.A service was evaluated as well. The evaluation revealed that 3G, leveraging WCDMA approach, will have the maximum date rates of 14.4 Mbps (in DL) and 5.7 Mbps (in UL) while EV-DO Rel.A will support the maximum rates of 3.1 Mbps (in DL) and 1.8 Mbps (in UL). The average data rates of 3G were evaluated at 5.59 Mbps (in DL) and 1.97 Mbps (in UL), with no noticable change from the rates last year. Wibro's rates went up to 9.19 Mbps (in DL) and 5.88 Mbps (in DL), increasing by 1.6 times and 2.5 times, respectively. WiFi (Telcos) also recorded speed improvement of 1.6 times and 1.7 times with the rates of 144.73 Mbps (in DL) and 141.47 Mbps (in UL). ■ Wired Internet Service Giga Internet (1 Gbps-class) showed the average data rates of 895.70 Mbps (in DL) and 916.08 Mbps (in UL) when checking the rates of data that travel just between user device and a measurement server located within the operators' own
27. Korea ICT News & Articles networks. The average data rates of high- speed Internet (100 Mbps-class) were evaluated at 90.6 Mbps (in DL) and 70.4 Mbps (in UL) when checking the rates of data that travel across the entire network between a user device and a portal server located outside the operator's networks (i.e. while a large-volume email is uploaded/downloaded at the user device). The rates remained similar to the rates last year. n © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 27 Average data rates (Mbps) Average transmission success rates (%) Average data rates (Mbps) SK Telecom Names Park Jung-ho President and CEO 12/22 | By NETMANIAS (tech@netmanias.com) SK Telecom today announced that SK Holdings C&C CEO Park Jung-ho has been appointed as the new President and CEO of SK Telecom. Since joining Sunkyong Group (which is now SK Holdings) in 1989, Park has served various key positions within the SK Group. From 2009 to 2013, he served as Head of Business Development Division of SK Telecom and later also played an integral role in SK Telecom’s acquisition of Hynix (later named as SK Hynix). In January 2015, he took the CEO position at SK Holdings C&C. Known for his global experience, innovative leadership and keen insight, Park has successfully transformed the business structure of SK Holdings C&C, while expanding the company’s presence in the global market. Park received a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Korea University.
28. This enabled telcos to adopt IT technologies that leverage open source SW/HW, making the communication infrastructure even more IT-based. As a result, the 5G ecosystem can extend its boundary to embrace ICT such as IT and IoT in addition to communication. This is why all telcos are aggressively seeking ways to transform into a platform provider, media service provider, solution provider or more. 5G global standardization has been driven by ITU and 3GPP. 3GPP aims to make technical reports (TRs) on 5G study items in Release 14 (scheduled to be finalized in June 2017), and develop 5G technical specifications (TSs) in Releases 15 and 16. When Release 14 is finalized and Release 15 begins in June 2017, a global race to take the lead in standardization, system development, and commercialization of 5G will begin in earnest. 5G commercialization has been mostly driven by telcos whose LTE has already reached the level of maturity or those who are in desperate need of increasing network capacities, and also by three nations in East Asia (South Korea, Japan and China) who are eager to develop and present 5G services during the Olympics games they are respectively hosting in 2018 (Winter), 2020 (Summer) and 2022 (Winter). Analysis of Global 5G Development - 5G Standardization so far | Dr. Harrison J. Son and Chris Yoo (tech@netmanias.com) Analysis of Global 5G Development 5G Standardization so far Dr. Harrison J. Son and Chris Yoo (tech@netmanias.com) © Netmanias Consulting • www.netmanias.com Korea Communication Review • Q2 2017 28 While 2G still has the biggest share in the global market, 4G LTE has certainly been up and running in most countries (186 countries as of January 2017. Source: GSA). As of Q3 2016, the global LTE subscription rate reached 22.4% (source: OVUM) and it is still going up. Especially, global LTE leaders have reported 70~80% of LTE penetration. Those with matured LTE markets, like South Korean big 3 telcos and Verizon in the USA, have been seeing stagnant profits for years, and anxiously looking to switch to 5G quickly. Traditionally, mobile communication technologies had been categorized into ‘generations’. So, every time a new generation evolved into the next generation, new frequency, new radio access technology (RAT), and new network (RAN/Core) were defined and introduced, offering faster speeds and new services. But then there came 4G (LTE), which brought an integrated Core network to the world, allowing different RANs (2G/3G/4G/non- 3GPP) to work together on it. 5G went even one step further, introducing a brilliant technology, ‘virtualization’, which makes it possible for different RAT, RAN and Core to be implemented as software on a universal server. 5G Standardization so far 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% LG U+* KT* SK Telecom* Verion NTT Docomo China Mobile 10.5 M 13.2 M 20.3 M 90.6 M 41.3 M 480.7 M 88.1% 84.6% 75.9% 83.7% 56.6% 57.0% LTE 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 0-2. LTE penetration by mobile operators (Q3 2016) #Conn. Penetration Figure 0-1. Global Mobile Subscribers 2G 3G LTE 22% 35% 43% Q3 2016 (source: OVUM) * MVNO included