SK Telecom has signed agreements with South Korea's top three terrestrial broadcasters to develop new media solutions and business models based on 5G technology.
The operator has signed memoranda of understanding with Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to jointly develop a 5G-based 4K ultra high definition live broadcasting system and test the system at sports games and other events.
SK Telecom also plans to work with each broadcaster to develop 5G-based content and explore joint opportunities in digital advertising, augmented reality and hologram technology.
In January, SK Telecom entered an agreement with US broadcaster Sinclair Broadcast Group to establish a joint venture to lead development of next-generation broadcasting solutions in the US.
The operator has also just revealed plans to merge its broadband subsidiary and South Korea's largest pay TV provider SK Broadband with the market's second largest player t-broad to create a media company with around 8 million subscribers.
Separately, SK Telecom announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Yonsei University Health System to introduce the first 5G powered digital hospital.
The companies have agreed to develop a 5G network and specialized 5G-based solutions for the Yongin Severance Hospital, which is scheduled to open in February next year and so will be built from the ground up to support 5G solutions.
SK Telecom will provide its AI speaker NUGU to allow patients with physical difficulties to control their beds, lighting and TVs with their voice, or call for assistance in case of emergencies. The hospital will also offer 5G-powered augmented reality indoor navigation and a hologram solution for remote visits to patients in isolation wards.
Other solutions being planned or considered include quantum cryptography for advanced cybersecurity, as well as facial recognition for contact-free biometric access control for buildings and other rooms.
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