SK Telecom and Telkom Indonesia consider IoT joint venture

As part of an MoU agreement, SK Telecom and Telkom Indonesia have suggested an IoT joint venture could be on the way.

The two operators signed an MoU to collaborate on new opportunities in IoT, media, smart products and SK Telecom’s Lifeware suite of consumer-focussed smart devices. New product development and strategic direction are also on the agenda for further discussion and R&D.

As part of the agreement, SK will introduce its ThingPlug IoT platform with Telkom in order to share its experience in deploying and operating LoRa networks to develop IoT opportunities and services tailored to the Indonesian market. SK Telecom also said in a statement “the two companies will also discuss the idea of building a joint venture for their IoT business within the next two years.”

Beyond talk of possible IoT-related JVs, SK and Telkom Indonesia will also be using the former’s Cloud Streaming media solution to help develop cloud-based TV solutions for customers of the latter. According to SK, Cloud Streaming enhances the transmission speed of content by using cloud-based servers to handle and deliver data.

“Through the MOU, SK Telecom will work closely with Telkom to develop mutually-beneficial business opportunities in diverse areas including IoT, smart city and media,” said Lee Eung-sang, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business Division of SK Telecom. “Building on this partnership, the two companies will continue to make joint efforts to expand their presence beyond the Indonesian market.”