SK Telecom has published its third white paper outlining its AI-based communications network evolution strategy in preparation for the 6G era, targeted for commercialization after 2030. The paper outlines a mid- to long-term infrastructure blueprint, proposing an AI-native architecture based on the fundamental network values of security, stability, and quality.

SK Telecom announced on the 23rd that it will publish a 6G white paper titled 'ATHENA (AI, Trust, Hyper-connectivity, Experience, opeN, Agility)' containing its mid- to long-term network strategy and will showcase some of the related technologies at MWC26.

This white paper is a continuation of the first, which outlined the core requirements for 6G standardization in 2023, and the second, which outlined the direction of AI-era communications infrastructure in 2024. The company identified key variables as accelerating AI convergence, expanding satellite communications, escalating security threats, and shifting network operation paradigms, all of which are expected to emerge in the 6G environment after 2030.

The core vision presented in the white paper is sixfold: AI native, zero-trust security, converged infrastructure encompassing 5G, 6G, and satellite communications, an open ecosystem, cloud-native virtualization, and a customer experience-centric architecture. The combination of AI and networks was explained along two axes: utilizing AI for network optimization and designing networks to run AI services.

To achieve this, the mid- to long-term structure proposed was the "ATHENA" architecture, encompassing the Radio Access Network (RAN), core network, transport network, and network data platform. The wireless network aims for autonomous optimization based on virtualization and open interfaces, while the core and transport networks are evolving toward an AI-based, automated management structure. The network data platform is described as the foundation for utilizing communications network data for AI service development and customized services.

At MWC26, the company plans to unveil AI-based base stations (AI-RAN), on-device AI-based antenna optimization, and integrated communication and sensing technologies. The company also announced that it is promoting the standardization of related technologies through activities in international standardization organizations such as 3GPP, ITU, and the O-RAN Alliance, as well as through its participation in the AI-RAN Alliance Board of Directors.

“We will prepare for network evolution in the 6G era by combining AI, virtualization, openness, and zero-trust security,” said Ryu Tak-ki, head of network technology at SK Telecom.