SK Telecom (SKT) has launched its Ifland platform in 49 international markets and outlined the ambition to make its service a leading global social metaverse space, taking the fight to rival players including HTC and Meta Platforms.

In a statement, SKT explained that the so-called global launch followed agreements with local partners covering distribution and content in various target countries.

The South Korean operator has agreements with the operator group e&, Singtel and NTT Docomo. It also previously announced a deal with Deutsche Telekom.

SKT said it was also in discussions with other potential partners, with local links central to its strategy to expand the global reach of the service.

It plans to develop specific features for different countries and territories, and undertake joint actions…