SKT and Dell Technologies Advance into Global 5G MEC Market

SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM, hereinafter referred to as “SKT”), in collaboration with Dell Technologies, today announced that it has launched an enterprise 5G mobile edge computing (MEC) solution named ‘Petasus’, and aims to gain an edge in the global MEC market. 

MEC enables ultra-low latency communication by significantly reducing the distance of data transmission through the deployment of  small-scale data centers at the base station located in close proximity to users. MEC is being highlighted as an essential technology for specialized 5G services such as smart factories, autonomous driving and immersive media. 

For instance, by setting up 5G MEC within a factory, data that travels to and from the factory can be processed on site instead of having to go through the central data center located hundreds of kilometers away. This leads to reduced data transmission latency and errors, improved network efficiency and stability, and strengthened security. 

The Petasus 5G MEC solution combines SKT’s 5G MEC solution and Dell PowerEdge servers. It provides network virtualization features specialized for MEC and operational tools. Going forward, the solution will support integration with MEC solutions of other telcos and provide an app store-like feature for MEC services applications.

As a solution that reflects SKT’s extensive experience in 5G MEC commercialization and operation, the platform can be provided in a customized manner. Going forward, it will enable enterprises to deploy MEC in a prompt and stable manner by supporting interworking with public clouds.

The two companies plan to provide the Petasus solution not only to global telcos, but also to businesses and public institutions throughout the globe that plan to adopt private 5G networks. In particular, they will strengthen their cooperation in 5G end-to-end business, which includes consulting, infrastructure deployment and maintenance services. 

“Our collaboration with SK Telecom gives enterprises the capability to quickly act on data at where it resides, at the edge, to deliver better business outcomes,” said Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager, Dell Technologies Telecom Systems Business. “By combining the power of edge computing with private 5G, businesses can develop new revenue-generating services and better customer experiences.”

“Our 5G MEC technology has a huge potential as it can help boost the adoption of 5G services across the globe,” said Jihn-woo Kim, Vice President and Head of Global Business at SKT. “We will make accelerated efforts to enrich the global 5G MEC ecosystem by working closely with Dell Technologies to develop industry-leading technologies and introduce diverse products, and expanding into the software-as-a-service business in partnership with many Korean and overseas companies.”