Ryu Tak-ki, Head of Network Technology at SKT, and Mårten Lerner, Head of Network Strategy and Products at Ericsson 2026.3.19 / News1

SK Telecom is joining forces with Ericsson to pave the way for the 6G era through artificial intelligence (AI) powered network innovations.

On Thursday, SK Telecom announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ericsson to bolster their partnership in AI-driven network technologies, spanning from 5G to 6G.

This collaboration centers on joint research and real-world applications aimed at revolutionizing next-gen communication technologies. The partners plan to implement cutting-edge innovations in the 5G landscape while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term 6G research and standardization.

The partnership encompasses several key areas: AI-based radio access networks (AI-RAN), 5G enhancements, open and autonomous networks, security, and 6G standardization.

In the AI-RAN domain, the focus is on developing self-learning networks that can predict and adapt to their environment, boosting both performance and energy efficiency. This initiative aims to optimize resource management and elevate network quality.

For open and autonomous networks, the companies are working on technologies that enable seamless automated operations across multi-vendor setups. This advancement promises efficient management in diverse equipment environments.

On the security front, they're implementing a zero-trust framework to fortify network and device protection, while also upgrading real-time threat response capabilities.

The collaboration extends to securing pivotal 6G technologies. Joint research efforts will explore frequency strategies, extreme massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technologies that merge communication and sensing capabilities.

Through this strategic alliance, SK Telecom and Ericsson aim to reinforce global cooperation and establish leadership in the ecosystem of AI-driven next-gen networks and 6G technologies.

SK Telecom is joining forces with Ericsson to pave the way for the 6G era through artifici …

SK Telecom and Ericsson Join Forces for AI-Driven 6G Network Innovations