Nokia/KT to develop LTE-M field trial in Q4
South Korean telecom operator KT has set up the country’s first “Internet of Things” lab in association with Nokia Networks. The new lab will provide IoT-related technical expertise and knowledge to small and medium-sized partner companies to lay a strong foundation for the creation of an IoT ecosystem in the Asian nation.
This initiative is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both companies during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. KT and Nokia Networks also agreed to implement the world’s first LTE-M field trial by the last quarter of 2015.
The IoT lab will provide a virtual environment to enable interworking and network verification on Nokia Networks’ LTE infrastructure. The lab also will offer technical assistance to small and medium-sized Korean partner companies to help them enter global markets.
“This lab is a strong iteration of our vision to become the No. 1 player in Korea’s IoT market. Our efforts are aimed at encouraging greater participation by domestic companies, which are a crucial factor in driving the change toward a creative IoT-based economy,” KT’s Head of Future Convergence Business Office Yun Kyoung-Lim said.
China Telecom, Gemalto launch initiative for connected cars, IoT
In related news, China Telecom and Gemalto, a European provider of digital security solutions, have announced joint innovation for connecting cars and IoT. The companies will develop a proof-of-concept for connected cars using Gemalto’s LinqUs On-Demand Connectivity subscription management solution.
The companies presented a demo at Mobile World Congress Shanghai to show how remote “over-the-air” provisioning can enable secure connectivity on mobile devices. The next step under this project will be the integration of the ODC solution on vehicles, paving the way for China Telecom’s automaking customers to offer instant connectivity on cars.
“By 2025, every new car will include some form of connectivity. This presents an enormous opportunity for increased revenue for all of us,” Suzanne Tong-Li, president for Greater China and Korea at Gemalto, said. “With unified standards, we can help China Telecom to leverage their 4G networks to capture this strong growth potential market and offer innovative solutions for a safe and pleasant driving experience.”
