SK Telecom and Nokia introduce fibre environment sensing

SK Telecom and Nokia are joining forces to implement fibre sensing technology, an innovative approach to detecting environmental changes that could affect optical cables in fixed networks.

This collaboration aims to enhance network safety and prevent potential damage by monitoring earthquakes, climate changes, and construction-related issues near fixed networks.

This partnership will utilise machine learning tools to process and analyse data generated by commercial networks. In addition, SK Telecom hopes to introduce fibre-sensing technology to South Korea before the end of the year. If the system is successfully launched, the operator plans to deploy it across its national fixed network. It aims to develop a preemptive response system to minimise possible line breakdowns at construction sites and prevent any unexpected service interruptions.

Ryu Jeong-hwan, the head of infrastructure strategy technology, stated that SK Telecom anticipates the cooperation will hasten the deployment of diverse new AI technologies and become a central part of their AI strategy moving forward. At the same time, John Harrington, the president of Nokia Asia Pacific, stated that Nokia is pleased to see their sensing technology will be part of the AI networks due to this agreement.

Hence, the main aim of this partnership is to ensure that the companies can identify and predict the majority of problems before they occur, making the service more reliable. This can be achieved with the help of this new type of technology, fibre sensing, designed to increase the resilience and efficiency of the network.

It should be noted that this collaboration builds on the existing partnership between SK Telecom and Nokia. Recently, notably, the carriers and various technology companies have formed an alliance to encourage advancement within the quantum ecosystem. This alliance includes Xgate, KCS, IDQ Korea, SOS Lab, and Wooriro, in addition to the two firms mentioned above. The main goal of these firms is to explore the possibilities of making joint investments. Additionally, they aim to set up a consultative body that will supervise the performance of the quantum alliance.

The quantum alliance’s key objectives include:

1. Exploring joint business opportunities in the quantum technology sector.
2. Promoting investments across global companies involved in quantum research and development.
3. Establishing a consultative body to guide and monitor the alliance’s progress.

This latest partnership between SK Telecom and Nokia in fibre sensing technology represents a significant step forward in network management and safety. By combining their expertise in telecommunications and sensing technology, these industry leaders are paving the way for more intelligent, responsive, and reliable network infrastructures that can adapt to environmental challenges and minimise service disruptions.

As the telecoms industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of network technology and ensuring the delivery of seamless, uninterrupted services to consumers and businesses alike.

(Photo by Shefali Lincoln)

See also: Singtel and SK Telecom forge partnership to pioneer 6G development

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Tags: connectivity, Networks, nokia, sk telecom, telecoms