Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 27, SK Telecom announced on November 26 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Electronics to jointly advance 6G mobile communication technology, with a primary focus on artificial intelligence-based radio access networks (AI-RAN).

The partnership aims to develop core 6G technologies, including AI-driven channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission and reception, and AI-RAN-based scheduling and core network solutions. These advancements are expected to improve signal accuracy in complex environments, enable stable high-speed connectivity in dense areas, and optimize resource allocation through autonomous network decisions.

Research will be led by SK Telecom's Network Technology Division and Samsung Research. SK Telecom will supply real-world network data and verification infrastructure based on its nationwide operational experience, while Samsung Research will develop advanced AI channel estimation models and distributed antenna algorithms.

Ryu Tak-gi, Head of SKT's Network Technology Division, said: "The convergence of AI and wireless communications is a key factor that will determine 6G competitiveness. Through our collaboration with Samsung Electronics, we will secure world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technology and lead the global 6G ecosystem."

Jeong Jin-guk, Head of the Next Generation Communications Research Center at Samsung Research, said: “Through field-oriented cooperation with SKT, we will verify the effectiveness of AI-based wireless technology in real-world environments and secure core AI-RAN technology early. We look forward to paving the way for 6G commercialization through continued cooperation between our two companies.”

Both companies are founding members of the international AI-RAN Alliance. They successfully proposed AI-based channel estimation technology at the Alliance's general assembly in Espoo, Finland, in June 2025, and presented further research results at the November meeting in Boston.

The collaboration builds on SK Telecom's earlier 6G initiatives, including the publication of Korea's first 6G white paper in 2023 and a demonstration of an AI-RAN base station at MWC 2025. In October 2025, SK Telecom also signed an agreement with NVIDIA to advance AI-RAN development.

This partnership strengthens cooperation between South Korea's leading telecommunications operator and its largest technology conglomerate to establish leadership in next-generation network standards and accelerate the path toward commercial 6G services.