October 19, 2009 | SK Telecom and Bell Labs, the research arm of Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that provides a framework for research projects in next generation communications networking.

In the area of wireless technology, one potential project involves the two companies working toward defining what the shape of wireless networks, in particular the applications running on those networks, will look like beyond the 4G networks that network operators are intending to launch over the next few years. Another potential area focuses on developing methods for enabling increasingly complex networks to manage and configure themselves. Demand for these self-optimizing networks is expected to grow as network operators aim to achieve greater efficiencies.

Through this cooperative relationship, both SK Telecom and Bell Labs can realize their complementary interests. SK Telecom expects to collaborate in core technologies such as interference control, network automation and virtualization in a multi-network environment, which will contribute to optimizing network transmission as well as reducing network maintenance costs. The project will serve as a platform for Bell Labs to deepen its capabilities in emerging technology areas and broaden the scope of its research program in Korea.

“This agreement is a great opportunity for both companies to collaborate on future core telecommunication technologies through a combination of SK Telecom’s wide range of end-user services and capability in network commercialization and Bell Labs’ market proven R&D power in telecommunication area,” said Jae Wan Byun, Senior Vice President and Head of Institute of Network Technology, SK Telecom.

“We believe that Bell Labs’ preeminent research capabilities in emerging network technologies combined with SK Telecom’s market experience could lead to new growth opportunities for Alcatel-Lucent and enable SK Telecom to achieve its strategic objectives,” said Debasis Mitra, Head of Global Research and University Partnership, Bell Labs

About SK Telecom
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, KSE: 017670) is Korea’s leading telecommunications provider with more than 24 million subscribers, which accounts for more than 50% of the total market. Established in 1984, the company reached KRW 11.67 trillion in revenue in 2008. SK Telecom was the first to launch and commercialize CDMA, CDMA 2001x, CDMA EV-DO and HSDPA networks. It currently provides cellular, wireless internet, mobile media, global roaming service and more. For more information, please visit www.sktelecom.com or email press@sktelecom.com

About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98 billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com