First in Korea, KT begins AI-RAN verification on commercial 5G network
South Korean telecommunications giant KT announced on August 26, 2025, that it has begun verifying AI-RAN technology on a commercial 5G network in Naju, Jeollanam-do Province. This is the first trial of its kind in the country, an initiative aimed at improving communication efficiency and laying the groundwork for the 6G era....
2025/09/30
Posted on 2025/09/30
South Korean telecommunications giant KT announced on August 26, 2025, that it has begun verification of AI-RAN technology on a commercial 5G network in Naju, Jeollanam-do Province. This is the first trial of its kind in the country, aiming to improve communication efficiency and develop the infrastructure for the 6G era.
AI-RAN is a technology in which AI analyzes data between base stations and network servers in real time to automatically optimize frequency usage and radio wave direction. The verification will utilize Nokia's latest base stations and dedicated AI processors to test key features such as machine learning-based channel estimation and MU-MIMO (a technology that simultaneously transmits to multiple terminals with multiple antennas).
Based on the results of this verification, the company plans to apply AI-RAN to commercial services and deploy it nationwide in stages. At the same time, the company will also move ahead with the formulation of the technical specifications and operational standards required for 6G.
Kwon Hye-jin, head of network strategy at KT, said, "AI-RAN will be an essential technology to prepare for the 6G era while enhancing customer experience quality," emphasizing KT's commitment to playing a leading role in the future telecommunications infrastructure.
