AI DC Revenue Surges 92.5%, SK Hyper Establishment Accelerates Infrastructure Business

SK Telecom achieved stabilization of telecom operations and a surge in AI data center (DC) revenue simultaneously in Q2 2026. Operating profit improved significantly compared to the same period last year, and the company is accelerating its AI infrastructure business through establishment of a dedicated subsidiary.

SK Telecom announced on the 5th that on a consolidated basis, it recorded revenue of 4,359.1 billion won, operating profit of 566 billion won, and net profit of 466 billion won for Q2 2026.

Revenue increased 0.5% compared to the same period last year, while operating profit rose 67.3% during the same period.

Compared to the previous quarter, it grew 5.3%.

The base effect from temporary expense outlays last year partially contributed to the increase in operating profit.

On a separate basis, revenue was 311.7 billion won, operating profit was 427.7 billion won, and net profit was 310.6 billion won, with Q2 dividend per share at 830 won, same as Q1.

Q2 AI DC revenue was 136.2 billion won, up 92.5% year-over-year.

The expansion of generative AI demand and increased corporate demand for high-performance computing infrastructure are cited as background factors.

SKT established 'SK Hyper,' a dedicated AI DC business subsidiary, last month.

The company stated that SK Hyper plans to proactively secure key infrastructure such as land and power and attract global customers.

Centered on SK Hyper, SKT has set a primary goal of phased construction of 5GW (gigawatt)-scale AI DC by 2029.

In the telecom business segment, the company focused on streamlining the rate structure through launch of unified 5G·LTE rate plans in July while enhancing customer convenience.

As a result, the company explained it continued net subscriber growth for mobile phones even in a stabilized market environment.

Park Jong-seok, SK Telecom CFO, stated, "In the first half, we solidified our foundation based on stable telecom business profitability while establishing the groundwork for rapid expansion of AI data center business. We will do our best to ensure SK Telecom plays a leading role in South Korea's leap as Asia's AI infrastructure hub."