Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Masayoshi Son, Chairman of Japan's SoftBank, have joined forces to develop next-generation communication technologies. By jointly pursuing 6th generation (6G) mobile communications and artificial intelligence (AI)-based network innovation, they are opening a new chapter in the Korea-Japan technology alliance amid the global competition for telecommunications leadership. Chairman Lee, who recently visited Mar-a-Lago in the United States, is expected to discuss concrete cooperation plans with Chairman Son when they meet again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit next week.

On the 24th, Samsung Electronics announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with SoftBank to collaborate on the development of next-generation communication technologies. The two companies identified 6G mobile communications and AI-based network technologies as core areas that will determine future competitiveness. Specifically, they will jointly research four technological fields: ▲6G ▲AI for Radio Access Networks (AI for RAN) ▲AI and Radio Access Networks (AI and RAN) ▲Large Language Models specialized for telecommunications data (Telco LLM).

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This collaboration is seen as an effort to accelerate the era of next-generation networks, where AI autonomously operates communication networks and enhances efficiency, going beyond simple technology exchange. The two companies plan to apply these technologies to real-world communication networks, explore new use cases, and jointly verify their commercial viability.

With 6G communication standardization and new frequency bands such as 7 GHz being actively discussed this year, the concept of "AI for RAN"-optimizing and managing wireless networks more efficiently using AI-has gained attention. AI-RAN (AI-based Radio Access Network) technology is expected to become a core component of future mobile communication networks.

Additionally, "AI and RAN orchestration" technology, which efficiently integrates and operates the workloads of various AI applications and communication base stations, is considered a promising field that can simultaneously improve base station operation and user experience. Research on applying generative AI to the telecommunications network sector is also emerging as a new area of possibility.

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Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, has consistently emphasized the need for 6G research. In January last year, he visited Samsung Research to review the status of next-generation communication technology development, including 6G, and global standardization trends, stressing the importance of securing technological leadership. As the standardization process for 6G has gained momentum this year, Samsung Electronics is accelerating efforts to secure leadership in the next-generation communications market by preparing systems necessary for commercialization and building a global cooperation network.

The two companies plan to study use cases in various communication technology fields and verify the effectiveness of these technologies, leveraging their advanced technological capabilities and expertise in network construction.

Jung Jin-guk, Executive Vice President and Head of the Next-Generation Communications Research Center at Samsung Research, stated, "Through our cooperation with SoftBank, we will be able to identify meaningful use cases for both telecom operators and users, and secure core technologies for commercialization. Based on our advanced capabilities in AI-RAN and 6G, Samsung Electronics will continue to lead future communication innovation."

Tsukuda Hideyuki, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of SoftBank, said, "By combining the advanced expertise of both companies, we will accelerate the realization of more efficient and reliable next-generation networks through AI-RAN. SoftBank will take the lead in building the core infrastructure of a future society where AI and humans coexist."

The Next-Generation Communications Research Center at Samsung Research plans to host the "Silicon Valley Future Communications Summit" next month, focusing on AI-RAN research and engaging with the telecommunications industry, academia, and government agencies.