South Korean wireless telecommunications operator SK Telecom has partnered with Microsoft to cooperate on tech initiatives related to 5G, artificial intelligence and the cloud.

The two firms will utilise their technological capabilities in these areas to promote internet of things business, AI tech and services and media and entertainment services.

As part of the deal, SK Telecom will adopt Microsoft 365, while the two already launched Microsoft Azure with Metatron, SK’s self-developed big data solution, back in February.

Pleased to join

“SK Telecom is pleased to join hands with Microsoft as a collaboration with global leading companies like Microsoft is essential to gain leadership in the 5G market, where competition is already fierce,” said SK Telecom president and CEO Park Jung-ho.

“SK Telecom will work closely with Microsoft to create an unprecedented value by combining the strengths and capabilities of the two companies.”

Microsoft Azure executive vice president Jason Zander added: “Through the strategic partnership with SK Telecom, we will play a key role in shaping the future and accelerating the digital transformation of the telecommunications industry with our world-class network and technology.

“This will be a deep and multifaceted partnership that strengthens the power of cloud and AI to deliver innovative new services to customers.”