Ericsson and SK Telecom sign MoU to promote AI-powered networks and 6G technology
Date: 2026-03-20
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Ericsson and SK Telecom have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration on
mobile network technologies, spanning 5G and the future 6G ecosystem. The
agreement, effective through March 2031, focuses on joint research, trials, and
potential commercialization of next-generation network innovations.
The partnership will target
key areas including AI-powered Radio Access Networks (RAN) to improve
performance, security, and energy efficiency, 5G monetization, open and
autonomous networks, and zero-trust security architectures. Both companies will
also work on 6G standardization, future spectrum strategies, extreme MIMO
evolution, energy efficiency, and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC).
Mårten Lerner, Head of
Networks Strategy and Product Management at Ericsson, said the collaboration
aims to accelerate AI-powered network deployment while establishing a
foundation for AI-native 6G, enhancing South Korea’s leadership in
next-generation connectivity.
Yu Takki, Head of Network
Technology Office at SK Telecom, highlighted that the joint research will
secure global technological leadership in AI-powered networks and support the
evolution toward 6G.
The MoU sets a framework for
practical deployment of innovations during the 5G era while driving long-term
research and standardization for 6G technologies.
