SK Telecom and NTT Docomo announced their joint release of two white papers, one on energy-efficient 5G mobile networks, and the other on requirements for 6G networks.

In November, SK Telecom and NTT Docomo signed an agreement to explore opportunities for technical collaboration on 5G and 6G.

Views on 5G mobile networks

Opportunities to achieve greater power savings based on energy consumption levels measured in the two companies’ respective base stations

Technical analysis of candidate power-saving technologies, including both hardware and software

The roles that operators and equipment vendors should play, including the need for greater coordination, in the effort to achieve greater power savings

Views on 6G

Performance requirements and implementation scenarios for each frequency band, taking into account the characteristics of each frequency

Issues concerning coverage and devices in high-frequency bands

Standards for migration to 6G architecture and application of cloud-native / open architecture

SK Telecom and NTT Docomo will collaborate in technical fields, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and operational efficiency of 5G as well as support the standardization and technical verification of 6G.

“The white papers carry a significant meaning as they mark the first tangible result since entering into a strategic partnership with NTT Docomo last year,” said Yu Takki, Vice President and Head of Infra Tech Office of SKT.

Takehiro Nakamura, Chief Technology Architect, Docomo, said: “We will enhance cooperation among the two major Asian mobile operators and promote superior concepts and innovative technologies to the world for the 6G deployment.”