Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) and SK Telecom (SKT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing to a two-year collaboration focused on the development of next-generation networks, with a particular emphasis on 6G technology.
The strategic partnership is aimed at significantly enhancing network performance and security, improving customer experience and driving innovation across the telecommunications industry.
SK Telecom’s head of ICT infrastructure The Straits Times“We are confident that this collaboration will bring about significant progress in both 6G and AI infrastructure development. This effort is seen as an important step in shaping the future of the global telecommunications industry, and both parties are poised to make significant contributions to improving customer experience and driving innovation across the industry in the upcoming 6G era.”
Fundamental technologies for 6G development
Singtel and SKT’s partnership will focus on several key areas deemed essential to accelerating 6G development.
- Network Slicing: Enhances the ability to create multiple virtual networks within a single physical infrastructure, enabling more efficient resource allocation and customized services.
- Network Virtualization: Pushing the boundaries of network function virtualization to improve flexibility and scalability.
- Standardizing communications APIs: We are working to create uniform application programming interfaces to facilitate greater integration and interoperability among various communications systems.
- Orchestration tools: Develop more efficient tools for managing and orchestrating complex network operations and services.
- AI and automation: Consider advanced AI and automation capabilities to improve operational efficiency and improve service responsiveness.
Harnessing the benefits of 5G for future innovation
The two telecom giants plan to leverage the advantages of 5G technology, particularly network slicing and AI integration, to develop differentiated and innovative solutions. A prime example of this approach is the development of edge AI infrastructure that combines edge computing and AI solutions. This cutting-edge technology will enable AI inference to be performed at the network edge, preventing excessive computational burden on centralized cloud systems and improving overall network efficiency.
To share their respective advancements and contribute to the broader telecommunications community, Singtel and SKT are committed to publishing a comprehensive white paper on network innovation, network slicing and network virtualization. It is expected that the document will serve as a valuable resource for other telecom operators, helping them to effectively leverage 5G technologies and prepare for the inevitable transition to 6G.
The partnership will see the companies digging deeper into the application of AI and orchestration tools, and expanding their knowledge of network virtualization and related technologies. With a focus on improving connection quality and resiliency, providing unique AI-driven services to customers, and helping operators accelerate service recovery, Singtel and SKT aim to significantly improve the overall customer experience. This approach is also expected to accelerate the AI transformation of incumbent telcos, placing them at the forefront of technological advancements.
Global Communications AI Alliance and Future Growth
Both Singtel and SK Telecom are founding members of the Global Telco AI Alliance, committed to developing new growth drivers through innovative AI business models. This collaboration between two industry leaders marks a major leap in the development of next-generation communications technologies and services.
“This alliance will make a significant contribution to the communications industry and has the potential to revolutionize the way networks are designed, operated and optimized. As 6G technologies begin to take shape, the insights and innovations that emerge from this collaboration could play a key role in defining the future of global communications and establishing new standards in performance, efficiency and customer-centric services.”
In conclusion, the partnership between Singtel and SKT marks a pivotal moment in the telecommunications industry’s journey to 6G. By combining their expertise, resources and innovative spirit, the two companies are not just preparing for the future, but actively shaping it, promising exciting advancements in communications technology that will benefit both consumers and businesses in the coming years.
(Photo: Josh Withers)
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