SK Telecom and CJ Group have formed a partnership to collaborate on providing convergence services for IT and cultural content amid the rising use of smart devices.

Korea’s largest telecom company said that it will closely work with Korea’s leading food and entertainment conglomerate in the areas of marketing and distribution of mobile content.

Both sides will be able to benefit from SK Telecom having solid telecommunication networks with over 27 million users, and CJ holding a vast portfolio of entertainment content.

SK Telecom added that they will foray into uncharted territory by seeking and launching new convergence businesses.

This partnership comes after more than two months of negotiations between the two companies to find various ways to do business together.

For a start, SK Telecom will partner with CJ’s multiplex theater chains CGV by setting up information and communication technology exhibition centers within two to three CJ movie theaters. Here visitors can experience both SK’s network services and CJ’s content.

Also, CJ Foodville, which owns bakery and buffet restaurant chains, will establish Long Term Evolution Special Zones at some of its restaurants and stores to offer faster connectivity to consumers with smartphones.

SK Telecom and CJ Educations will launch education services through SK Telecom’s education platform T Smart Learning where CJ will introduce its mobile English language materials and content for children. They will begin this service in the fourth quarter of this year.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)