Korean telco SK Telecom has signed an agreement with the Korea Military Academy (KMA) for the provision of innovative technologies, including 5G, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the company said in a statement.
Under the terms of the deal, SK Telecom and the Army’s elite school will cooperate in developing a smart military academy, with 5G networks and other technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), AR, VR, the internet of things (IoT), cloud computing and big data.
The two parties will also cooperate in carrying out studies on quantum cryptography and drone technologies.
In an initial phase of the project, SK Telecom plans to install 5G infrastructure throughout the facilities of the academy during the first half of 2019.
With the implementation of these technologies, the KMA aims to evolve into a smart military academy, in which advanced technologies based on 5G networks are implemented in all areas such as military exercises, fitness management, study and facility management.
The academy expects to implement a military training system using VR and AR technology. The system will be composed of VR-based shooting and tactical training simulators, AR-based command and control simulators and training effect analysis systems.
Cadets will also wear devices and be offered their fitness data analyzed by AI and big data technology. This will provide them with consistent and systematic fitness information, SK Telecom said.
Smart lecture rooms will also be built, offering varied programs such as lectures with VR and AR-based content.
Earlier this month, SK Telecom had officially launched commercial 5G services across the country.
SK Telecom said that nationwide coverage is being offered through a total of 34,000 5G base stations in 85 cities.
The company has rolled out its 5G network in data traffic-concentrated areas, including university districts, sports stadiums, highways, subway lines (Seoul and Seoul Metropolitan Area) and beaches.
The telco also said that it is expanding in-building coverage in 120 department stores, shopping malls and airports throughout the country.
SK’s 5G network supports up to 2.7 Gbps data transmission speed and uses quantum cryptography technologies to eliminate the risk of hacking.
In the second half of 2019, SK Telecom aims to expand its 5G network coverage to nationwide subways, national parks and festival sites.
The operator expects to attract approximately 1 million 5G customers by the end of this year.
