SK Telecom CEO: Telcos Must Become AI Infrastructure Architects

SK Telecom (017670) significantly expanded its global artificial intelligence cooperation network at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

On March 2 (local time), the opening day of MWC, SK Telecom hosted a conference on AI data centers titled "Redesigning Telco Infra for the Next Phase of AI."

Attendees included SK Telecom President Chung Jae-hun, SK Telecom AI CIC Head Chung Seok-geun, Singtel Digital InfraCo CEO Bill Chang, e& International CTO Sabri Al Blaihi, and NTT Chief Business Development Officer Tadao Yanase.

"Telecommunications companies' unique infrastructure and operational expertise are key to building AI infrastructure and expanding services," Chung said. "Telcos must go beyond delivering data quickly and securely to become architects and leaders of AI infrastructure."

SK Telecom introduced its "Sovereign AI Package," which integrates AI data center infrastructure built on SK Group capabilities, its proprietary AI model A.X K1, and AI services for industrial and enterprise applications. The strategy involves building independent AI foundation models that understand local languages and cultures on domestically controlled infrastructure, while providing field-tested AI services.

Throughout MWC, Chung will meet with executives from major global telecommunications companies to discuss collaboration in key areas including AI data centers, AI models, and next-generation networks. On March 3 (local time), he will meet with Orange Group CEO Christel Heydemann. He also plans to meet with Deutsche Telekom Chairman Tim Höttges to explore AI cooperation opportunities.