Future in mind, Bharti Airtel dials SK Telecom for newer technology

NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel Ltd on Wednesday said it has formed a strategic partnership with SK Telecom to leverage the South Korean telecom operator’s expertise in improving network experience, machine learning, big data and to provide a better experience to customers.

The two companies will also collaborate to evolve standards for 5G, network functions virtualisation, software-defined networking and internet of things, and jointly work towards building an enabling ecosystem for the introduction of these technologies in the Indian context.

“This partnership will bring a dramatically improved experience to Airtel customers by leveraging the expertise of a company that has built one of the best mobile broadband networks in the world,” Sunil Mittal, chairman, Bharti Airtel, said in a statement issued by the company on Wednesday.

To be sure, technology in the telecom space is changing a great deal and so is the business model of telcos. The government does not want to miss the 5G bus. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is expected to release consultation papers ahead of framing regulations and standards for the roll out of 5G networks and Internet of Things (IOT). Airtel’s move to tie up with SK Telecom is aimed in that direction.

SK Telecom is looking at commercialising 5G technology.