KT Becomes First in Korea to Verify AI-RAN on Commercial Network, Accelerates 6G Readiness

Precise Signal Strength Estimation and Traffic Optimization with AI
Enhancing User-Perceived Network Quality

KT employees conducting AI-RAN technology verification. Photo by KT

KT has become the first domestic telecom operator to begin verification of artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology on a commercial 5G network. Moving beyond the realm of research and development, KT is testing the technology on networks actually used by customers, as part of its strategy to prepare for the upcoming 6G era.

On August 26, KT announced that it had started AI-RAN verification in the Naju region of South Jeolla Province, utilizing an AI-dedicated processor embedded in Nokia's latest 5G base station equipment. KT is the first in Korea to conduct AI-RAN testing on a commercial network. A KT official explained, "Commercial verification is the final step before commercialization," adding, "There is significant technological value in conducting tests in a real network environment."

AI-RAN is a next-generation network technology in which artificial intelligence analyzes traffic data exchanged between base stations and network servers in real time to optimize wireless resources. The key features introduced by KT include machine learning-based channel estimation and machine learning-based multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO). Compared to traditional mathematical calculation methods, it estimates signal strength more precisely, analyzes the signal direction and traffic conditions for each device, and identifies user combinations with minimal interference to improve communication efficiency.

This approach reduces data loss and latency, ensuring stable communication quality while enabling the transmission of more data using the same frequency resources. Based on the results of the verification, KT plans to gradually expand the commercial deployment of AI-RAN services. Kwon Hyejin, Head of KT's Network Strategy Division, stated, "AI-RAN is an essential technology for both enhancing customer-perceived quality and preparing for the 6G era. KT will lead network innovation by being the first to verify and introduce AI-RAN on commercial networks."