South Korean operator SK Telecom (SKT) launched its Ifland metaverse platform in 49 international markets last week. Separately, it signed an MoU with NTT Docomo in Japan to jointly develop metaverse content and new technology for 5G and 6G networks.

The international launch of Ifland makes clear SKT’s ambitions to be a leader in the global metaverse space and is a good example of how operators are looking to tap into the metaverse opportunity. The operator enters into direct competition with rival players such as Meta and HTC, which previously launched their own platforms, though these have not scaled up significantly yet.

SKT’s agreement with NTT Docomo goes one step further and highlights the importance of developing market-specific metaverse services and content. The agreement also sets out a longer-term commitment to 6G: the two operators are aligning their technical work and timelines for the early deployment of 6G, with joint testing possible as soon as 2023. Other major players are increasingly shifting their attention to 6G as well. Ericsson, for example, expects to invest tens of millions of pounds in a new UK research centre for 6G research over the next decade.

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