Next-Gen 6G Is Coming Sooner: Samsung and SK Telecom Reveal AI-RAN Plans

Samsung and SK Telecom have taken a decisive step toward the 6G era, signing a new development pact to build AI-powered radio access network systems that could bring next-generation connectivity far earlier than expected.

The officially signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), announced this week in Seoul, formalises the companies' joint mission to design AI-native RAN technologies capable of powering the ultra-fast, ultra-smart networks expected to define 6G.

By merging Samsung's advanced artificial-intelligence research with SK Telecom's nationwide infrastructure, the partnership positions South Korea at the forefront of the global 6G race and signals a dramatic shift toward intelligent, self-optimising telecom systems that adapt to users in real time.

What Is AI-RAN, And What Are Samsung and SK Trying to Build?

AI-RAN refers to a radio access network architecture infused with artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques. Instead of relying solely on static algorithms and manual network optimisation, AI-RAN dynamically analyses network conditions to adjust signal estimation, resource allocation, scheduling, and antenna coordination in real time.

Under the collaboration:

• Samsung will lead development of AI-based channel estimation models, distributed MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) transmission and reception systems, and AI-driven scheduling and core-network frameworks.
• SK Telecom will contribute infrastructure, data, and nationwide test environments, offering a real-world proving ground to validate performance, reliability, and scalability.

As part of the broader industry push, Samsung is also an active member of the AI-RAN Alliance, a global group working to standardise AI-native RAN technologies for 6G and beyond.

The technologies under development, which include AI-based channel estimation, distributed MIMO, and intelligent scheduling, are expected to deliver superior coverage, reliability, high data throughput, and better handling of congested or complex radio environments.

Why It Matters: 6G, AI and The Future of Connectivity

While 5G still dominates most mobile networks worldwide, analysts view AI-RAN as a critical building block for fully realising 6G's potential. The convergence of AI and wireless communications promises networks that are:

• Faster and more reliable, even in dense urban areas or challenging landscapes
• Smarter and adaptive, dynamically optimising for traffic load and user behaviour
• More efficient in energy and spectrum use, helping tackle sustainability concerns as data demand explodes

Samsung's recent demonstrations at trade events have already showcased its AI-powered 'CognitiV' network-management suite, which leverages AI to manage network resources, reduce energy consumption and improve performance, signalling a shift from hardware-centric to software-driven network strategies.

By combining SK Telecom's operational scale and infrastructure with Samsung's AI R&D expertise, the joint effort could accelerate the global rollout of 6G, not in a decade, but possibly within this decade.

What Happens Next: The Road to 6G

The first phase under the MoU involves research, development and real-world testing of core AI-RAN technologies. This includes fine-tuning AI models for signal prediction, building distributed MIMO setups, designing AI schedulers and verifying network performance across varied environments.

If these pilots prove successful, the following steps would likely involve scaling infrastructure, gaining regulatory approvals, and working with operators globally to deploy 6G networks. For consumers, this could mean ultra-fast, low-latency, intelligent connectivity for everything from mobile devices to IoT ecosystems, smart cities and AI-driven services (augmented reality, real-time translation, autonomous systems, etc.).

Security, privacy and interoperability will also be key challenges, especially as AI-powered networks handle massive data flows and potentially sensitive user information.

What This Means For You — And The Global Tech Landscape

• For Consumers: Expect a future where mobile networks adapt to your environment—fewer dropped calls, smoother streaming, better connectivity in dense urban areas or rural zones.
• For the Tech Industry: It marks a major shift—telecom providers will need to combine networking, AI and cloud expertise. The winners are likely to be those who can deliver seamless, AI-native network services.
• For Emerging Markets: Countries with less-developed infrastructure may leapfrog directly to AI-enabled 6G, bypassing some 5G limitations. This could accelerate digital inclusion globally.
• For Regulators & Policy-Makers: There will be new regulatory questions around AI in telecom—data protection, equitable access, AI governance, and investment strategies for infrastructure.

The Smart Network Era Is Closer Than It Looks

The alliance between Samsung and SK Telecom points to a fast-approaching future where connectivity is not just faster; it's smarter. AI-RAN represents a paradigm shift in how networks are built, managed and optimised. If this early collaboration delivers, the 6G era might arrive far sooner than many predict, bringing a new wave of innovations, services and possibilities grounded in intelligent networks.