SK Telecom tests NSN Liquid Apps tech; Celcom extends LTE network

South Korean LTE pioneer SK Telecom this week completed lab tests of NSN’s Liquid Applications technology over LTE, enabling the carrier to deliver media-rich services and content directly from the base station.

The technology, and NSN’s partnership with SK Telecom, were announced at MWC in February on focus on moving intelligence to the network edge with a computing platform designed to run applications within the mobile base station. The concept is designed to take some of the strain off the network and speed the delivery and localisation of services, but it seems to go somewhat against the trend moving in the SDN circles of using commodity hardware and software and keeping all the intelligence in the core.

SK Telecom’s testing of NSN’s Liquid Applications technology was conducted with three services over LTE: location-based mobile advertising, augmented reality and premium application delivery – all potential revenue generators.  Testing was conducted over three months.

According to NSN, the aim of the testing was to evaluate how effectively Liquid Applications would deliver a personalised mobile broadband experience over LTE with applications, services and content located inside a mobile base station, in close proximity to the mobile subscriber.

“With Liquid Applications, we expect to create an enriched Service Aware RAN environment that brings greater benefits to our customers through intelligent and personalised services,” said Choi Jin-sung, executive vice president and head of ICT R&D Center of SK Telecom.

In other news, Malaysian operator Celcom Axiata Berhad also announced that it too has called on NSN’s services. The operator has partnered with the vendor for its LTE solutions and services in Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding suburbs).

NSN will supply the network infrastructure for the 2600MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands for LTE services, and refarming services for its 1800MHz GSM band. NSN will be transforming Celcom’s entire Klang Valley network to a Single RAN system based on its Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station for GSM, 3G and LTE.

The deal also includes NSN’s intelligent Self Organising Network (iSON) functionality to improve LTE network quality with self-healing, self-optimisation and self-configuration across the radio network.

“Celcom’s Klang Valley network upgrades underline our commitment to delivering a superior service experience to our subscribers who will increasingly enjoy the results of our extensive LTE investments and rollouts throughout Malaysia,” said Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, CEO of Celcom Axiata Berhad.

“NSN’s consistency in providing quality infrastructure and services support was a key fit in our network blueprint for superior coverage across spectrums and the best end-user experience.”

The inaugural LTE Voice Summit is taking place on October 1st-2nd at the Hilton Paddington, London. Click here NOW to download a brochure.