The two will explore the use of AI and orchestration tools, amongst others.

Singtel and SK Telecom have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build communication networks for 6G over the next two years.

The Singapore-based and South Korea-based telecom companies will explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and orchestration tools, as well as work on deepening the domain knowledge of network virtualisation and other technologies.

Singtel and SK Telecom are also putting together a white paper on their advancements in areas such as virtualisation, slicing and network evolution that can help other telcos globally to capitalise on the capabilities of 5G and to prepare for 6G.

They will also work together on developing differentiated innovative solutions to elevate their network capabilities such as Edge-AI Infrastructure, which reduces the computational burden concentrated on the cloud through edge computing and performs AI inference by combining AI solutions.

In particular, the MOU will see the partners collaborating on the following areas:

• Developing more network slicing capabilities and explore various implementations of activating dedicated, customised slices of their networks that will better meet the diverse and dynamic demands of society and industry.
• They aim to develop a fully disaggregated mobile network which will provide a more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable approach to network design and management.
• SKT and Singtel will jointly developing standardised telco application programming interfaces (APIs), facilitated by an Open Gateway, an interoperable and federated network with open standard APIs that will accelerate the development and growth of services in areas such as fintech, identity, smart mobility, gaming and Web3.
• In managing the anticipated complexity of 6G networks, the partners will collaborate to build more efficient orchestration platforms like Singtel CUBE, a unified suite of network solutions that helps enterprises to manage multiple services and vendors from a single digital portal. These platforms will help enterprises to better automate and coordinate various network functions and streamline service delivery, seamlessly and efficiently.
• The partners will further explore the capabilities of automation and AI to enhance operational efficiency and sharpen service responsiveness, which will set the foundations for a 6G era.