KT Signs Agreement with Nvidia, Samsung Electronics, and Others for Commercialization of AI Network Technology

Accelerating the Establishment of Infrastructure for the 6G Era

KT announced on November 2 that it has signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint research, development, and global expansion of artificial intelligence (AI)-RAN technology and services with NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom, LG Uplus, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Yonsei University, and others.

AI-RAN is a next-generation communication network technology that analyzes traffic data exchanged between base stations and network servers in real time to provide an optimal network environment. The purpose of this agreement is to foster Korea as a global hub for AI-RAN, while also contributing to the commercialization and international standardization of AI network technology.

KT explained that the significance of this agreement lies in the establishment of a comprehensive cooperation system that encompasses joint research and development, proof-of-concept, global expansion, and international standardization, through collaboration among major domestic and international companies and research institutes.

KT officially began its research and development activities on AI-native network technology after joining the AI-RAN Alliance in January. This consortium brings together major global telecommunications companies, IT firms, and academia to drive innovation and standardization in next-generation networks by integrating AI and radio access network (RAN) technologies. Currently, more than 110 member companies, including NVIDIA and SoftBank, are actively collaborating, and KT is contributing to global standardization and technology validation.

In September, KT proposed a new research item to Working Group 1 of the AI-RAN Alliance: a "user-customized mobility and connection stabilization" technology that it is jointly developing with Samsung Electronics. Work on this initiative is currently underway.

This technology uses AI to analyze users' movement paths and network environments in real time, predict potential issues, and automatically apply optimal network settings for each user. It is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional cell-based settings, enabling stable and high-speed communication quality in various environments.

KT plans to present its research and development achievements and proof-of-concept results at the upcoming AI-RAN Alliance plenary meeting in Boston, USA, scheduled for early November.

Lee Jongsik, Executive Vice President and Head of KT's Future Network Research Institute, stated, "Through this MOU and our activities within the AI-RAN Alliance, KT will lead global network innovation and accelerate the establishment of AI-based next-generation communication infrastructure in preparation for the 6G era."