Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is partnering with Korean communications service provider, SK Telecom, to support 5G Standalone networks through the deployment of cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on its Cloud Native Infrastructure (CNIS).

With the rapid uptake of 5G subscriptions, communications service providers increasingly require cloud-native applications design, faster time to marketmore efficient use of cloud infrastructure.

EricssonSK Telecom first unveiled next-generation cloud-native 5G Core networks technology, architecture, implementationoperations plans in March, 2019. This latest cooperation builds on this partnership.

Park Jong-kwan, VPHead of Infra Tech, SK Telecom, says: “With this achievement, cloud-native5G will bring many new services, faster, to a broad range of industries. SK Telecom will continue to collaborate with industry leaders like Ericsson on cutting edge technologies that provide the best customer experience.”

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core, Ericsson, says: “Korea is a leading 5G telecom markettogether we achieved another great milestone with SK Telecom enabling 5G Standalone networks.. Standalone 5G will bring faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latencyimproved network reliability. Our powerful dual-mode 5G Core solution supports an ecosystem for innovation that facilitates customized 5G services for consumersbusiness users globally.”

Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core combines evolved packet core (EPC)5G Core network functionsa common cloud-native platform for efficient total cost of ownershipsmooth migration to 5G. It is an evolution of a powerful virtualized portfolio, designed for cloud-native deployment, comprising Ericsson Cloud Packet Core products.

Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure, a container on bare metal cloud infrastructure solution, makes network deploymentsoperations simpler.

By removing the virtualization layer from the cloud stack it is possible to achieve greater efficiencyimproved automationperformance. The solution is scalable across centraledge locations, supporting a vast number of 5G servicesuse cases. The integrated Kubernetes platform, Ericsson Cloud Container Distribution, is certified by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation.

EricssonSK Telecom have had a closestrong 5G cooperation for many years. Ericsson has also provided SK Telecom with 5G radio access network (RAN) equipmentnetwork management system for their commercial 5G network rollout.