While Google is rapidly advancing with its development of the Android , SK Telecom has joined seven other companies that have recently joined the LiMo Foundation with Linux Mobile.  Other notables among the new members are Mozilla and Verizon Wireless who is one of the most notable absentees on Google’s Open Handset Alliance.

Google has been making headlines by finally defining their team of judges for Android, and has generally been more publicized. US carriers AT&T and Verizon Wireless had not joined, and while AT&T seems to be showing preference for Android, Verizon has now joined LiMo.

On the Korean front SK Telecom has joined with their competitor KTF in the LiMo Foundation, as well as Korean handset producers LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics. LG and Samsung are also part of Android, therefore giving them and interesting position in the evolution of the industry. Another interesting position is that of LG Telecom who have recently expressed interest in Android but have yet to decide, and with their affiliate LG Electronics being on both sides it will be an interesting choice.

It is interesting to see the evolution and competition among Korean MNO’s. In this battle, LG Telecom being the smaller of the three companies (SK Telecom and KTF being the others) has had to come up with a different strategy than the other competitors, given that SKT and KTF have the licenses to operate 3G and have spent millions implementing the system yet LG who was left out has opted instead for improving their current network.

As anyone who currently lives in Korea can see, the two larger telecom companies have spent a lot of money promoting the 3G features and things such as Video Call as the main application, but LG has opted for developing mobile internet. LG unveiled “OZ”, earlier this month and offer a full browser experience for its near 8 million subscribers, this is compared to the closed portal system that the other operators offer, and at a much lower cost which is around 6 dollars (6,000 won) per month.

LG’s bet on mobile internet may just provide them an edge in the market, despite having lost in the initial acquisition of 3G licenses, this obligated them to search for a different strategy which maybe the key to their success.

Today I have found a very interesting blog entry “The future of mobile carriers is here. It is called SK Telecom”, which is worth reading. In short it lists a portfolio of companies acquired by SK Telecom on its endeavor to diversify its business portfolio beyond being a wireless carrier, which is likely to become “dumb bit pipes” in the future.
At this SK Telecom is acting similar to Google’s strategy of continuous expansion into new business areas. This has been termed as the “Google Galaxy” by ZDNet and SK Telecom is building its own “Solar System” with various areas (I prefer this term because SK Telecoms endeavors so far are on a smaller scale). In this context it is not surprising that these companies also share common goals, which manifested in a strategic alliance announced a year ago. Both companies cooperate in the development of a mobile search solution.

Looking at all this I have some rough thoughts which I would like to share with you:

1. “Content” is becoming increasingly crucial.
For MNOs it is critical to acquire attractive contents for their services, the mobile TV market is another good example for this development.

2. Convergence is reality.
Convergence of media is not only a buzz word but already happening. It opens new business opportunities but at the same time endangers players which will not adapt to the new market environment.

3. It is a buyer’s not a seller’s market.
Instead of introducing services and expecting customers to adopt them, MNOs have to start developing services tailored to customers’ demands and needs.

4. Mobile is the center of digital life.
The mobile will become increasingly important, it will not only be a device to call other people but one of the most important entertainment and communication devices. For some time now SK Telecom is focusing its communication and advertising underlining the emotional and “human” aspects of the mobile and how it has become an integral part of Koreans’ everyday life.

To be successful in this fast moving environment it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest developments and in my point of view Korea is one of the places worth having a look at.