Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) and SK Telecom (SKT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate over the next two years on developing next-generation networks, including 6G. This partnership is expected to enhance network performance and security, improve customer experience, and drive innovation in the telecommunications industry.
According to The Straits Times, the head of ICT infrastructure at SK Telecom believes this partnership will make significant progress in 6G and AI infrastructure, marking a critical first step in shaping the future of the global telecommunications industry. The companies aim to improve customer experience, drive industry innovation, and prepare for the upcoming 6G era.
Foundational technologies for 6G development
Singtel and SKT will focus on several key areas deemed essential for promoting 6G development. These include developing more network-slicing capabilities, pushing the limits of network virtualization, standardizing telecom Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), creating more efficient orchestration tools, and exploring AI and automation capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and service responsiveness.
The two companies plan to leverage the advantages of 5G in network slicing and AI integration to develop differentiated innovative solutions. One such solution is edge AI infrastructure, which combines edge computing and AI solutions. This will enable AI inference to be executed at the edge, preventing excessive computational load on the cloud.
To share their advancements, Singtel and SKT will publish a white paper on network innovation, network slicing, and network virtualization. This document will help other telecom operators utilize 5G technology and prepare for the transition to 6G.
The partnership will also explore the application of AI and orchestration tools to deepen their knowledge of network virtualization and related technologies. By enhancing connection quality and resilience, providing unique AI services to customers, and assisting operators in accelerating service recovery, Singtel and SKT aim to improve customer experience and accelerate the AI transformation of existing telecom companies.
As founding members of the Global Telco AI Alliance, both companies are dedicated to developing new growth drivers through innovative AI business models. This collaboration between Singtel and SK Telecom represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation telecommunications technologies and services.
