SK Telecom announced on Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Electronics to spearhead the development of sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication technology and launch joint research on an artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN).
This collaboration aims to bolster the companies’ competitive edge in AI-driven next-gen network technology and pave the way for 6G commercialization.
The research agenda includes key 6G technologies such as AI-based channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission and reception, and AI-RAN-based schedulers and core network technologies.
SK Telecom’s network technology division and Samsung Research will steer this joint venture.
SK Telecom will leverage its nationwide network expertise to provide data and build testing infrastructure. Samsung Research will focus on refining AI channel estimation models and distributed MIMO algorithms.
AI-based channel estimation technology uses artificial intelligence to predict and correct signal distortions caused by obstacles like buildings and walls, ensuring more accurate data transmission.
Distributed MIMO technology allows multiple base stations and antennas to work in concert, delivering stable high-speed communication even in crowded areas.
AI-RAN-based scheduling and core network technologies enable the network to autonomously manage data transmission, improving resource allocation efficiency.
As members of the AI-RAN Alliance, the two companies have been deepening their tech collaboration since last year. In June, they jointly proposed AI-based channel estimation technology that was approved as a work item at the alliance’s conference in Espoo, Finland. In November, they presented their research findings at a conference in Boston.
SK Telecom published South Korea’s first 6G white paper in 2023, outlining a vision for future networks that integrate AI with cloud computing, sensors, and robotics. The company plans to showcase an AI-RAN-based base station at Mobile World Congress 2025 and recently partnered with NVIDIA to develop AI-RAN technology.
“The fusion of AI and wireless communication is crucial for 6G competitiveness,” said Yu Takki, SK Telecom’s Head of Network Technology. “Through our partnership with Samsung Electronics, we aim to develop world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technology and lead the global 6G ecosystem.”
