KT Develops Core Equipment for 5G Specialized Networks with SMEs

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] KT has partnered with innovative SME Iruon to successfully develop equipment containing core technology for 5G specialized networks (I-eum 5G).

KT announced on the 21st that it held a ceremony to commemorate the completion of joint development of the core equipment for the 5G specialized network at Iruon's headquarters in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province.

The 5G specialized network is a corporate 5G network that builds and operates a private wireless network for specific purposes within a limited area. It is faster and more stable than public 5G networks and, based on ultra-high speed, low latency, and massive connectivity characteristics, can implement real-time services based on large-volume data such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), remote control, and autonomous driving. This project has been conducted since September last year as a joint public-private technology development project by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, with KT and the Ministry investing in development costs, and the 5G equipment specialist company Iruon participating as the developer. KT contributed by transferring its existing technology to shorten development time and improve performance.

The newly developed 'core equipment' is the key infrastructure of the 5G specialized network. It performs functions such as connection, authentication, traffic control, and subscriber management for terminals within the specialized network. KT expects this to serve as an opportunity to replace the 5G specialized network equipment market, currently monopolized by large corporations and foreign companies, with domestic SME products that have technological and price competitiveness. In particular, it holds greater significance as a result created jointly by the government, large corporations, and SMEs.

Following development, KT plans to support Iruon, the developer, to enable the equipment to enter overseas markets. At MWC 2023, to be held in Spain at the end of this month, KT will introduce the developed equipment and provide marketing support such as inviting buyers and supporting local stays to achieve export results.

Considering the trend where major governments worldwide are actively supplying dedicated frequencies for 5G specialized networks to promote market activation, strong performance is expected in various fields using 5G specialized networks, including smart factories, logistics automation, robotics, AI, cloud services, digital twins, and the metaverse.

Going forward, KT plans to enhance competitiveness in the business-to-business (B2B) sector by collaborating with various players such as the government, SMEs, and startups, and focus on rapid expansion of its digital platform company (Digico) business based on this.

Cho Hoon, Head of KT SCM Strategy Office (Executive Vice President), said, “This year as well, we will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups through joint R&D fund contributions. Based on the 5G specialized network equipment core technology secured through the joint efforts of the government, large corporations, and SMEs, we will strengthen competitiveness in 5G equipment and establish a foundation to enter the global market.”