SK Telecom to launch metaverse platform in Europe

South Korea’s top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. and its spin-off investment firm SK Square Co. joined hands with Europe’s largest telecommunications provider Deutsche Telekom to launch services including its metaverse platform in the region.

They agreed also to introduce a European version of One Store, SK Square’s homegrown app store, and cooperate in other businesses such as the cyber security and environmental, social and governance sectors, SK Telecom said on Sunday.

SK Square Park Jung-ho, SK Telecom CEO Ryu Young-Sang discussed such partnerships with Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Höttges and its board member for technology and innovation Claudia Nemat on May 5 at the German telecommunication behemoth’s headquarters in Bonn.

IFLAND, ONE STORE IN EUROPE

Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom planned to jointly test the marketability of ifland, the metaverse platform of the South Korean carrier, in various areas in Europe, seeking together metaverse content and marketing for customers. The two companies also discussed the establishment of a joint venture for the metaverse business in Europe.

They were set to develop a European version of One Store as Deutsche Telekom has reportedly been interested in the concept of SK’s app store business there even before the meeting.

They decided to cooperate in the cyber security sector. SK Shieldus Co., owned by SK Square, and Deutsche Telekom Security, a unit of the telecom group, agreed to sign a deal for a strategic partnership.

In addition, they discussed the commercialization of SK Telecom’s image analysis technology based on artificial intelligence in Europe.

“Deutsche Telekom will play a key role in supporting SK ICT alliance’s entrance into Europe,” said SK Square Park, referring to information and communications technology affiliates.

Write to Sungsu Bae at baebae@hankyung.com
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.