South Korea operator SK Telecom will work with Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung in joint research and development for 5G and 6G technologies.

Samsung is providing network equipment to SK Telecom for its 5G networks.

Under the MOUs, SK Telecom will work with each company for advancement of 5G network technologies. They will jointly promote development and commercialization of advanced 5G technologies, including ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), enhanced multi-input multi-output (MIMO), differentiated 28GHz technology, and standalone (SA) 5G network.

Moreover, SK Telecom will conduct joint research and development activities with the three network equipment providers in the field of 6G mobile network technologies. Through close consultations, they will draft technical requirements and new business models for 6G.

While it’s still early days for 5G, researchers have already begun work on the next cellular standard; and the first 6G summit was held earlier this year in Finland.

The first 6G standard isn’t expected to arrive until the 2030s.