SKT joins AWS global platform on 5G mobile edge computing business

AWS chief executive Andy Jassy addresses the Cloud platform at AWS re:Invent 2019 in Las Vegas on Dec. 3, 2019. [Photo provided by Amazon Web Services]

SK Telecom (SKT), South Korea’s largest mobile operator, has joined hands with Amazon Web Services (AWS), a global cloud giant, to bring 5G to mobile edge computing (MEG) enabling developers and customers to use 5G applications on ultra-low latency networks.

The collaboration was announced at AWS re:Invent 2019 held in Las Vegas on Tuesday, where AWS chief executive Andy Jassy outlined AWS Wavelength, Amazon's new cloud platform designed for edge computing to make it easier for developers to deploy low latency applications.

The cloud platform allows developers to build applications that deliver single-digit millisecond latencies to mobile devices by deploying AWS compute and storage at the edge of the 5G network. 5G-based MEC technology is essential for Wavelength which needs to be able to process massive data in real time.

SK Telecom`s 5GX MEC Platform. [Photo by SK Telecom Co.]

AWS agreed to collaborate with key telcos around the world, and they include Verizon in the U.S., Vodafone in Britain, KDDI in Japan, and SKT in Korea.

Under the partnership, SKT and AWS will launch their joint business next year by bringing compute and storage closer to 5G customers such as logistics, game, media companies, as well as manufacturers.

SKT is building MEC centers at major 5G network points across the country. In August, the company released 5GX MEC Platform with ultra-low latency by applying MEC to base stations which are the closest to customers.

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