SKT, Nokia develop portable PS-LTE network

SK Telecom and Nokia have completed the development the first all-in one portable public safety LTE system for emergency first-responders.

The system is compact enough to fit in a backpack, and comes with all the elements required for mobile communications, from a base station, switching system including an evolved packet core to push-to-talk technologies.

It can be used to create an independent LTE communications network in the field for use by public safety and emergency services workers. The resulting network can be set up in less than three minutes, has a 5km coverage and can accommodate up to 400 users.

SK Telecom and Nokia achieved the breakthrough of alleviating the need for PS-LTE systems to connect to a backhaul network by applying NFV technologies to the core networking elements. This has allowed the partners to fit the technology into a small rectangular-shaped server.

The system can also support other communications services including group messaging for public service agencies.

SK Telecom has announced it plans to trial the system within the year, and use the technology to expand the national disaster safety wireless network as well as its LTE-Maritime project in 2017.

“The portable all-in-one PS-LTE system is a ground-breaking solution that enables communication among first responders by setting up an independent LTE network when regular communication networks are disrupted by disasters,” SK Telecom executive vice president and head of infrastructure Lee Jong-bong said.

“SK Telecom will not only utilize the innovative system to build disaster safety wireless networks in Korea, but also plans to share its expertise and know-how with many other countries around the world.”