Mobile operator SK Telecom (SKT) and Byton, a China-based maker of electric vehicles, agreed to jointly develop in-vehicle infotainment applications for the South Korean market.

The companies signed an MOU at CES in Las Vegas covering creation of an infotainment system using SKT’s digital products and services covering mobile connectivity, navigation, music and video streaming, and voice control.

In a statement, SKT said its 5G network could give Byton a competitive edge in developing an improved in-car experience and completely autonomous vehicles.

Ryu Young-sang, head of MNO Business at SKT (pictured, right), said the cooperation represents a crossover between the ICT and automotive sectors: “Going forward, SKT will continue to work with diverse global players to create innovative services that can further enrich customers’ lives.”

Byton CEO Daniel Kirchert (pictured, left) added SKT offers abundant technical expertise and resources in the ICT and data services sector. “This is perfectly in line with the vision of Byton to build smart cars in the mobility era. Moving forward, the two sides will work together to expand a superior in-car digital experience and tap the potential of mobility services.”

The companies also agreed to discuss ways to improve the distribution of Byton’s electric vehicles in Korea. In September 2019, the carmaker established a partnership with automotive components manufacturer Myoung Shin to jointly produce its M-Byte vehicles at a plant in Gunsan.