SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, “SKT”) today released its latest white paper, ‘SK Telecom 6G White Paper: View on Future AI Telco Infrastructure,’ laying out the evolution direction of the next generation telco network infrastructure through the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications.

In its first 6G white paper published last year, SKT provided an analysis of the key requirements for 6G standardization, technology trends, candidate frequencies, among others.

In this latest 6G white paper released this year, SKT defines the key elements for 6G infrastructure evolution as ‘Cloud-Native, Green-Native, and AI-Native,’ and presents the direction of the 6G infrastructure evolution based on the ubiquitous intelligence emphasized in the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) 6G Framework Recommendations (IMT-2030).

In the 6G era, the company anticipates adopting a flexible network architecture based on ‘Generation Mix,’ which appropriately combines previous generations of mobile communications, while considering data traffic demands and specialized services.

SKT’s white paper also highlights the concept of ‘Telco Edge AI’ infrastructure, which combines telecom network infrastructure and AI to simultaneously provide real-time data processing and AI services.

SKT asserts that the next-generation telecommunications business should move beyond simply generating revenue based on traffic demand and shift its paradigm toward enhancing the value of the infrastructure itself.

To this end, SKT explains that the value of telecommunications networks can be enhanced by integrating AI solutions into telecom infrastructure, allowing real-time AI inference. The white paper further emphasizes that for a successful evolution, it is essential to build global ecosystem partnerships, discover promising business models, and advance technology in areas such as radio access networks, core networks, transport networks, devices, and AI orchestration.

“Through this white paper, we aim to present the direction of the next-generation infrastructure evolution based on Telco Edge AI and explore the expansion of the relevant ecosystem,” said Yu Takki, Vice President and Head of Infra Technology Office at SKT. He added, “We are committed to leading the transition to 6G by developing AI-powered wireless and wired networks that create new value through the convergence of AI and telecommunications.”

The full white paper can be accessed by clicking here.