SKT and Singtel prepare for 6G transition, agree to build next-gen telco networks

　　SK Telecom (SKT) and Singtel have agreed to work together over the next two years to build next-generation telecom networks, the necessary building blocks for the transition to 6G.

　　The two Asian telcos said Monday they have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of AI and orchestration tools, while deepening expertise in network virtualization and other technologies.

　　"We are keen to capitalize on the myriad capabilities that this technology has to offer, especially in the areas of network slicing and the incorporation of AI. With SKT, we aim to not only enhance our customers' experience, but also drive industry innovation and help us prepare for the evolution to 6G," said Tay Yeow Lian, managing director for networks at Singtel, in a statement.

　　In the same statement, Kang Jong-ryeol, head of ICT Infra at SKT, said the collaboration between SKT and Singtel is an important first step "in shaping the future of the global telecommunications industry."

　　The two companies will create a white paper on their advances in areas such as virtualization, slicing and network evolution that can help other operators around the world take advantage of the capabilities of 5G and prepare for 6G.

　　Improve network performance with AI

　　Kang pointed out that by combining the strengths of SKT and Singtel, both companies aim to achieve efficient, high-performance network construction, enhance network stability and explore new network-based services.

　　"We will strive to make significant advancements in next-generation communication technologies, including AI-powered wired and wireless infrastructure," he added.

　　The two partners said they will develop differentiated and innovative approaches to enhance network capabilities, such as edge AI infrastructure, which uses edge computing to reduce the computational load concentrated in the cloud and combines AI solutions to perform AI inference.

　　This initiative is expected to not only improve connectivity but also provide customers with new AI service offerings. It should also improve the customer experience by enabling operators to restore services faster.