[MWC26] SKT Expands AI Collaboration with Global Telecom Operators: "AI Competitiveness Depends on Infrastructure Design"

SK Telecom announced on March 3 that it has begun expanding its AI collaboration network with global telecommunications companies, leveraging the world's largest mobile telecommunications exhibition, MWC26, held in Barcelona, Spain.

SK Telecom announced on the 3rd that it has expanded its global AI collaboration network following MWC26, the world's largest mobile communications exhibition held in Barcelona, Spain. Jaehun Jung, CEO of SK Telecom, delivered the keynote speech at the AI DC-related conference held as a side event at MWC26 on the 2nd (local time). Provided by SK Telecom

On March 2 (local time), SK Telecom hosted an AI Data Center conference under the theme "AI Transformation: Redesigning Telecommunications Infrastructure." During the event, Jaehun Jung, CEO of SK Telecom, met with executives from major global telecom companies to discuss cooperation in key areas such as AI Data Centers (AIDC), AI models, and next-generation networks. He also focused on presenting the role and direction of telecom operators in the AI era. Attendees included Bill Chang, CEO of Singtel Digital InfraCo; Sabri Albreiki, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of e& international; and Tadao Yanase, Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) of NTT.

In his keynote speech, CEO Jung emphasized that telecom operators' experience in infrastructure management is a core asset for building AI infrastructure. On this day, SK Telecom introduced its AI Data Center infrastructure, its proprietary AI model "A.X K1," and the Sovereign AI Package. The Sovereign AI Package, which provides integrated AI services for industry and enterprise, is a strategy that combines domestically managed infrastructure with independent AI foundation models, taking each country's data sovereignty into account. During the discussion session, participants agreed that, due to the large-scale power requirements, high-performance equipment, and ultra-high-speed networks needed for AI Data Centers, collaboration between telecom operators is essential.

SK Telecom also strengthened cooperation connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. CEO Jung met with Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e& Group, and Harrison Lung, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), to discuss expanding strategic partnerships. He also explored potential collaboration with Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group, a leading European telecom operator with 340 million subscribers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This was the first meeting between CEO Jung and CEO Heydemann. SK Telecom plans to continue its AI alliance with Deutsche Telekom and pursue collaboration on AIDC and AI-RAN technologies.

CEO Jung stated, "Competitiveness in the AI era depends not only on technology but also on the design and connectivity of infrastructure," adding, "Together with global telecom operators, we will build a reliable AI infrastructure and service ecosystem."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.