Samsung Electronics and KT announced they have successfully validated AI-based radio access network (AI-RAN) optimization technology on KT’s commercial network, confirming that stable, uninterrupted service can be delivered across a range of real-world environments.
Following simulation-based verification completed in June, this marks the first successful demonstration of the technology on a live commercial network.
As user-perceived communication quality becomes a key priority for telecom operators, Samsung has been developing AI-RAN optimization technologies to meet this need.
Traditionally, the same network configuration has been applied to all user devices — such as smartphones — connected to a base station. When users move through weak-signal areas or travel at high speeds, the connection between their devices and the base station may weaken or drop.
The AI-RAN optimization technology verified by the two companies automatically applies optimal configurations for each user — rather than for the network as a whole — based on real-time wireless conditions. The system leverages AI to learn from issues tied to a user’s movement paths and usage patterns, identifying recurring trends to predict potential problems. By proactively preventing disruptions, the technology helps users avoid the connectivity issues they experienced in the past.
▲ Concept of user-level AI-based network optimization
Samsung Research of Samsung Electronics and the Future Network Laboratory at KT conducted a field test with approximately 18,000 users in select areas of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, featuring varying environmental conditions. The AI-RAN technology was applied to users who had repeatedly experienced service disruptions, allowing the teams to identify recurring issue patterns and develop user-specific network configurations. The companies then compared the number of disconnections before and after applying these configurations on the commercial network. The results showed a significant drop in connection failures among users who had faced frequent disruptions, as well as a notable decrease in issues for other users in the region.
AI-RAN optimization will be essential as the industry prepares for the 6G era, when data usage is expected to surge and networks must deliver stable service across a wide range of communication environments. Because the improvement in communication quality was noticeable at the user level, this achievement is expected to be recognized as a leading example of AI-RAN technology. Moving forward, the two companies plan to expand validation across additional commercial networks and further advance 6G technology.
Samsung is leading AI-driven 6G innovation through its research on AI-RAN technology, integrating advanced AI capabilities into wireless networks. The company will continue to strengthen collaboration with both domestic and global operators and partners to further enhance user experiences in next-generation communications.
JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Advanced Communications Research Center, Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics
This is a major milestone that shows how AI can improve user experience on real-world commercial networks
Jong-Sik Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Future Network Laboratory at KT
This achievement demonstrates that AI can transform network operations around users
