SK Telecom and Facebook will create a center in Korea early next year to foster startup companies in the field of communications infrastructure, the local carrier said Thursday.

This will be the first such center to be set up by Facebook in the world and the first collaboration between the global social media giant and South Korea’s largest mobile carrier. 

The plan to foster startups came during a TIP summit held at Facebook’s headquarters in Silicon Valley this week.

TIP, or Telco Infra Project, is a body that was set up in February under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg with the aim of developing next-generation networks and improving access to networks in developing countries.

SK Telecom’s chief technology officer Choi Jin-sung was appointed as the first chairman of the body.

“The creation of the startup center has proved SK Telecom’s leadership in network technologies. We will continue to spur the innovation in communications infrastructure,” Choi said at the TIP summit.

The establishment reflects Korea’s potential in communications technologies and provide a turning point for the venture startups that are currently concentrated on app and smartphone-related technologies.

Facebook plans to find promising local startups in communications infrastructure and help the companies attract investment from global venture investors in Silicon Valley, according to the Korean telecom operator.

SK Telecom, for its part, will provide a venue and infrastructure as well as support technology development and mentoring for selected startups, the company said.

The carrier also added that TIP will help the startups develop applicable network technologies as early as possible to foster innovation in network areas. 

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)