SK Telecom (017670) announced on January 23 that it has published its third 6G white paper titled "ATHENA," outlining its mid-to-long-term network evolution strategy, and will showcase related technologies at MWC26.
In the white paper, SKT presented six core pillars for its network evolution vision: AI-native network integration, zero-trust security, ubiquitous converged infrastructure spanning 5G, 6G, and satellite communications, an open ecosystem, cloud-native flexibility through virtualization, and maximizing customer experience.
The company forecasts that AI-network integration will enable networks to self-optimize through real-time data analysis and AI-driven decision-making. Simultaneously, telecommunications infrastructure is expected to evolve toward AI-friendly design and operation to support seamless AI services.
On security, SK Telecom is adopting zero-trust principles. The company envisions 6G developing as converged infrastructure not confined to any specific generation or technology, encompassing 5G, 6G, and satellite communications while pursuing an open ecosystem based on general-purpose hardware and open source.
The white paper also outlines plans to expand virtualization technology across networks for flexible resource utilization and to prioritize customer demands for enhanced user experience.
Alongside the white paper release, SK Telecom will unveil key technologies at MWC26. Exhibitions will include AI agents for networks, "AI-RAN" base stations that simultaneously provide telecommunications and AI services, on-device AI-based antenna optimization technology, and integrated "communication-sensing" technology that perceives surrounding environments through radio signals.
"Even amid uncertainties of the 6G era, we will prioritize customer value while combining AI, virtualization, openness, and zero-trust security," said Ryu Tak-ki, Head of Network Technology at SK Telecom. "From a perspective looking ahead to the next decade, we will lead the evolution of future telecommunications infrastructure while continuing to create new growth opportunities."