Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom (SKT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop core 6G technologies, with a primary focus on artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology.
The companies will develop and test key technologies for the 6G era including AI-based channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, AI-RAN-based schedulers and core network architectures.
Samsung Research of Samsung and Network Technology Office of SKT will lead the collaboration.
AI-based channel estimation predicts and corrects signal transmission in real time, enhancing network performance by enabling faster, more accurate data delivery in environments where radio waves are distorted by obstacles such as buildings or walls.
Unlike traditional architectures where a single base station handles data processing, distributed MIMO technology allows multiple base stations or antennas to work together to transmit and receive data. This approach supports reliable, ultra-high-speed communication across both urban and rural areas.
AI-RAN schedulers and AI-based core networks determine when, where and how to send data, ensuring efficient resource allocation even when many user devices are connected. These technologies are key to improving network quality and driving automation in a future hyperconnected society.
Through this partnership, Samsung Research will develop AI-RAN technologies including AI-based channel estimation models, schedulers and distributed MIMO. SKT will lead data provision and test infrastructure setup based on its nationwide network operations.
The companies are also collaborating as members of the AI-RAN Alliance. They jointly proposed an AI-based channel estimation technology that was officially approved as a work item. This month, they presented their research outcomes at the alliance’s all-member meeting, continuing their joint efforts.
“Through field-focused collaboration with SKT, we will be able to verify the effectiveness of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings and secure key AI-RAN technologies at an early stage,” said JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics. “We hope that continued collaboration between our companies will help pave the way for the rollout of 6G.”
“The convergence of AI and wireless communications will be crucial to 6G competitiveness,” said Takki Yu, Vice President of SK Telecom Network Technology Office. “Through our collaboration with Samsung Electronics, we plan to secure world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technologies and lead the global 6G ecosystem.”
Since establishing the ACRC in 2019, Samsung has pursued full-scale 6G research and published the 6G White Paper and 6G Spectrum White Paper — presenting its vision and direction for next-generation communications. At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, the company showcased a range of demonstrations in collaboration with the AI-RAN Alliance. Following last year, Samsung again hosted the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit in November to advance AI-RAN research and strengthen industry collaboration.
