Samsung and SK Telecom just made the boldest bet yet on AI-powered 6G networks. The Korean tech giants signed a memorandum of understanding to develop artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology, positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation wireless infrastructure. This partnership could reshape how cellular networks operate and deliver ultra-high-speed connectivity across urban and rural areas.
Samsung and SK Telecom are betting big on artificial intelligence to power the next generation of wireless networks. The two Korean giants just inked a deal that could fundamentally change how 6G networks operate, combining Samsung's AI research prowess with SK Telecom's massive network infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding puts AI-RAN (artificial intelligence-based radio access network) technology at the center of their 6G strategy. Unlike today's networks where base stations work independently, AI-RAN creates a smart mesh where multiple antennas collaborate in real-time, predicting signal interference and optimizing data flow before problems occur.
"Through field-focused collaboration with SKT, we will be able to verify the effectiveness of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings," Samsung Executive Vice President JinGuk Jeong told reporters. The partnership gives Samsung access to SK Telecom's nationwide network for testing, while SK Telecom gets early access to Samsung's cutting-edge AI wireless technologies.
The technical breakthrough centers on three key innovations. AI-based channel estimation predicts and corrects signal transmission issues in real-time, particularly crucial in dense urban environments where buildings and obstacles constantly disrupt radio waves. Distributed MIMO technology allows multiple base stations to work together seamlessly, supporting ultra-high-speed communication across both cities and rural areas. And AI-RAN schedulers intelligently manage when, where, and how data gets transmitted, ensuring efficient resource allocation even when thousands of devices connect simultaneously.
SK Telecom's role extends beyond just providing testing grounds. "The convergence of AI and wireless communications will be crucial to 6G competitiveness," said Takki Yu, Vice President of SK Telecom's Network Technology Office. The carrier brings years of operational data and real-world deployment experience that Samsung's lab-based research can't replicate.
This partnership builds on momentum both companies have been generating through the AI-RAN Alliance, an industry consortium pushing AI-native wireless technologies. Just this month, they successfully got their joint AI-based channel estimation proposal approved as an official work item, validating their technical approach ahead of competitors.
