Samsung’s AI-RAN trials with KT and SK Telecom bring private 5G, edge AI, and industrial robots into real-world shipyard and petrochemical sites. For VoIP and enterprise communications, the program highlights low-latency networks, reliable uplink performance, and automation that could reshape mission-critical connectivity before AI-native 6G arrives in South Korea soon.
South Korea’s top mobile operators, SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, are launching a unified Network Open API standard. This collaboration aims to lower development barriers, accelerating VoIP application creation. By standardizing APIs, they are aligning their telecom ecosystem with global standards and fostering digital innovation.
South Korea has officially revoked the mobile license of Stage X, led by Stage Five, an affiliate of tech giant Kakao Corp. The Ministry of Science and ICT cited failure to meet financial and operational criteria as reasons. Stage X aimed to join established carriers like SK Telecom and KT but struggled to secure necessary capital.
Deutsche Telekom, SK Telecom, e&, Singtel, and SoftBank have officially launched a joint venture to advance AI technologies tailored for the telecommunications sector. These industry leaders aim to create Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically designed to enhance customer interactions through digital assistants and chatbots.
In a significant stride towards sustainability, SK Telecom, alongside Iceotope Technologies and SK Enmove, has announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the cooling systems of AI data centers. This collaboration, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), focuses on the development and deployment of a liquid cooling technique designed to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of AI data centers.
In a groundbreaking move, Nokia has joined forces with SK Telecom, NTT, and DOCOMO to pioneer the development of a 6G AI-native air interface, aiming to revolutionize network performance and energy efficiency. This collaboration marks a significant leap towards integrating artificial intelligence deeply into the fabric of next-generation wireless technologies.
As the evolution towards 6G continues, telecommunications mammoths NTT DOCOMO and NTT, have expanded their research circle to include SK Telecom and Rohde & Schwarz. The newly inducted collaborators will aid in various 6G trials in Japan, focusing on identifying potent frequency bands for the upcoming technology. Of particular interest is the development of a ‘6G AI-native air interface’, that promises to bolster network performance and energy effectiveness.
AI-RAN is delivering real 5G network gains as Optus and Ericsson use AI to boost coverage, throughput, and spectral efficiency. For VoIP providers, smarter RAN automation means clearer calls, stronger mobility, fewer handover failures, and better capacity, practical improvements that can enhance VoIP call quality today without costly hardware upgrades.
Thailand’s AIS, True and NT are rolling out low-cost mobile data bundles to boost TH-AI Passport adoption, showing how telecom operators shape digital access. For VoIP providers and communications businesses, the move highlights a growing link between affordable connectivity, AI services, bandwidth demand and the future of Asian networks ahead
Telecom operators are transforming into key players in AI services, appealing to enterprises seeking seamless AI solutions. Historically focused on connectivity, telcos are now diversifying with AI infrastructure and tools. This shift, prompted by corporate demand, offers substantial growth potential as traditional revenue streams decline. Successful operators harness AI infrastructure, collaborating with platform developers to offer customized solutions and productivity tools. Their strategic advantage includes expansive networks and data centers, enabling competitive pricing and data sovereignty. However, to capitalize effectively, they need to overcome internal challenges and navigate competition from hyperscale cloud providers like AWS and Google Cloud.
