Nvidia is partnering with SK Telecom and other major carriers to build artificial intelligence-based sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks. The initiative aims to transform mobile networks from simple voice and data transmission systems into platforms capable of supporting AI model training and inference.
Nvidia announced on March 1 (local time) that it will develop AI platform-based 6G networks with leading global telecommunications companies including SK Telecom, Britain's BT, Germany's Deutsche Telekom, Sweden's Ericsson, Finland's Nokia, Japan's SoftBank, and T-Mobile of the United States.
The announcement came one day before the opening of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, the world's largest mobile exhibition held in Barcelona, Spain. The vision is to build an open, secure, and trustworthy next-generation AI wireless network.
Nvidia and its carrier partners aim to establish 6G not merely as a next-generation communication standard but as infrastructure with AI embedded throughout the network. The 6G wireless network will power billions of physical AI systems including autonomous vehicles, robots, and machines while also addressing growing security demands.
Nvidia plans to expand telecommunications networks into AI computing infrastructure through AI Radio Access Network (AI RAN) technology. AI RAN fully integrates AI into radio access networks to dramatically improve operational performance and enable new services.
"AI is reshaping the computing landscape and driving the largest infrastructure buildout in human history. Now it's telecom's turn," said Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia. "Nvidia is working with industry leaders around the world to build AI RAN and transform global telecom networks into AI infrastructure."
SK Telecom, as a key partner in this collaboration, will contribute to expanding Nvidia's AI-native ecosystem. SK Telecom is the only Korean carrier serving as a board member of the AI RAN Alliance. The AI RAN Alliance, launched in 2024 by 11 major technology companies, is the world's largest consortium of its kind with approximately 120 member companies.
"We will expand global cooperation in the 6G era by building open and trustworthy AI-native network infrastructure," said Chung Jae-hun, CEO of SK Telecom.