Samsung Electronics and KDDI have recently joined hands to establish the 5G Global Network Slicing Alliance. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to introduce a range of commercial 5G network slicing services while exploring new business models based on this innovative technology.
With the global network slicing market projected to experience annual growth rates exceeding fifty percent from 2023 to 2030, this partnership builds upon the ongoing efforts of Samsung and KDDI in advancing network slicing. In January 2023, the companies conducted a successful field trial for Service Level Agreements (SLA) assurance network slicing on a live 5G standalone network in Tokyo. They also made industry history in 2020 by demonstrating network slicing with a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC).
Toshikazu Yokai, Chief Network Officer and Managing Executive Officer at KDDI, praised the alliance, stating, “KDDI has been at the forefront of network slicing innovation, and we are excited to take another significant step forward with Samsung to show how this technology can augment 5G experiences for consumers and businesses. Through the strategic alliance, we not only aim to create new and immersive use cases but also explore the infinite potential in transforming industries.”
Network slicing technology allows the creation of multiple virtual networks within a shared physical network infrastructure. Each network slice is dedicated to a specific application or service, catering to varied purposes. For instance, operators can establish a low latency slice for automated vehicles, an IoT slice for smart factories, and a high bandwidth slice for live video streaming, all within the same network. This unique capability allows a single network to support a diverse range of use cases simultaneously, driving the prompt delivery of new services and meeting the specific demands of different enterprises and consumers.
Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Sales & Marketing for Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the alliance’s potential for innovation, stating, “Combining Samsung’s strong technical expertise and KDDI’s business acumen, this new alliance will help us facilitate innovation with a shared commitment to keep advancing 5G to the next level. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with KDDI to fully tap into the numerous opportunities that 5G network slicing offers.”
Samsung has been at the forefront of 5G end-to-end solutions, including chipsets, radios, and cores. Through continuous research and development, the company drives the industry’s progress in 5G networks with its market-leading product portfolio. Moreover, Samsung provides network solutions to mobile operators worldwide, ensuring seamless connectivity for millions of users.
KDDI is a leading telecommunications service provider in Japan, offering 5G and IoT services to individual and corporate customers through its “au,” “UQ mobile,” and “povo” brands. In its Mid-Term Management Strategy, KDDI focuses on various areas, including digital transformation, finance, energy, life transformation, and regional co-creation, with the aim of achieving sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value through sustainability management.
The collaboration between Samsung and KDDI marks a significant milestone in the journey toward maximizing the potential of 5G network slicing. As these two industry giants push the boundaries of technological innovation, the possibilities for new and immersive use cases in various industries continue to expand.
