(Telecompaper) South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom and Nokia Networks have opened a 5G research and development centre at Nokia Networks' Korean office. The centre will serve as a venue where researchers from the two companies will study and develop core 5G technologies, including gigabit-level data transmission technology and cloud-based virtualized base stations. Around year-end, SK Telecom and Nokia Networks also plan to open a test bed to verify and demonstrate 5G technologies. SK Telecom and Nokia Networks plan to launch a 5G pilot service demonstration in 2018.