Korean telecommunications giant, SK Telecom, has unveiled its blueprint for revolutionizing mobile networks with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through a collaboration with Ericsson, SK Telecom is advancing AI-powered Radio Access Networks (RAN), aiming to enhance both performance and energy efficiency in mobile communication. This initiative spans from today’s 5G networks to the future sixth-generation (6G) technology.
The partnership, solidified by an agreement in March, highlights joint efforts in research, trials, and potential commercialization up to 2031. The focus lies on AI-RAN, 5G monetization, autonomous networks, and zero trust security, showcasing an optimistic move towards 6G standardization.
Yu Takki, head of SK Telecom’s network technology office, articulated the transformative power of AI-RAN during an interview with RCR Wireless News. He emphasized how integrating AI into wireless communications boosts user experience and operational innovation, especially in energy savings. With AI-driven channel estimation and dynamic resource allocation, SK Telecom aims to enhance throughput and mitigate interference significantly. Additionally, real-time dynamic scheduling, rooted in reinforcement learning, refines network resources allocation, thereby minimizing interference between cells.
AI application extends into beam management and mobility prediction, promising lower latency and superior quality of service, even in densely populated areas. Operational benefits are anticipated from automating network components and optimizing traffic management. AI’s role in controlling equipment parts like power amplifiers will lead to substantial energy savings by reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Yet, introducing AI on this scale isn’t without its obstacles. Data management, equipment interoperability, and AI reliability present considerable challenges. As Takki noted, establishing a data governance framework is critical for effective AI model training. Furthermore, standardizing interfaces for multi-vendor equipment is essential to ensure seamless integration across diverse systems. Ensuring AI-driven decision reliability and monitoring its impact on network performance will be vital.
Transitioning beyond 5G, the partnership highlights a substantial step towards AI-native 6G environments. Here, AI and communications will merge, offering high-quality AI services and enhanced user experiences. Takki explained that prioritizing user-perceived quality over speed will become the norm, guiding the industry’s shift.
SK Telecom is committed to shaping early 6G standards through international collaboration. The operator plans to propel both communications and AI domains through advanced radio technologies and AI-driven network intelligence. Engaging global partners in developing core 6G technologies remains a strategic aim to prepare for the AI-native 6G era. This collaborative effort directs network evolution from a speed-driven race to intelligent, user-focused innovations, marking an exciting new chapter in communication technology.
