MWC 2026: SK Telecom Charts a Course for AI-Powered Connectivity
Barcelona is set to be the epicenter of mobile innovation once again as MWC 2026 (Mobile World Congress) kicks off on March 2nd. This year, SK Telecom (SKT) is poised to accept center stage, outlining its vision for the future where artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications converge. The event, themed “The IQ Era,” will showcase how intelligent infrastructure and connected AI are reshaping industries.
The Rise of Sovereign AI and the Telecom’s Role
According to GSMA’s Julian Gorman, SKT is not just presenting technology; it’s demonstrating leadership. For 16 years, SKT has consistently showcased both the technical feasibility and the societal value of its innovations at MWC. Now, the company is evolving beyond a simple connectivity provider to develop into a “trusted infrastructure for sovereign AI.” This shift positions SKT as a key player in building and supporting national AI capabilities.
This evolution is driven by the understanding that telecom companies possess unique assets – extensive customer bases, strong government relationships, and established infrastructure – that are crucial for deploying and scaling AI solutions. SKT’s strategy focuses on leveraging these assets to deliver AI infrastructure and AI-powered services.
Full-Stack AI: From Infrastructure to Services
SKT’s approach to AI is “full-stack,” encompassing AI infrastructure, foundation models, and AI-powered services. At MWC26, the company will demonstrate its expertise in AI Data Centers (AIDCs), showcasing the AIDC Infrastructure Manager – a platform designed for real-time monitoring and efficient operations. The integrated GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solution, combining Petasus AI Cloud, AI Cloud Manager, and GAIA, will as well be on display.
Recognizing the industry’s move towards inference-driven computing, SKT is introducing the AI Inference Factory, a solution designed to address the cost, power, and memory constraints associated with traditional AI data centers. This focus on inference highlights SKT’s commitment to delivering practical AI applications.
A.X K1 and the Future of AI Models
SKT’s hyperscale AI foundation model, A.X K1, will be a key highlight of the MWC26 showcase. The company is also actively pursuing collaborations with global telecom operators, AI data center providers, and startups to accelerate the development and deployment of AI technologies. This collaborative approach underscores SKT’s belief in the power of partnerships to drive innovation.
Beyond Connectivity: AI Transforming Industries
The impact of SKT’s AI strategy extends beyond the telecommunications sector. The company is exploring applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries, demonstrating the potential of physical AI services to improve efficiency and create new opportunities. The focus on AI-RAN and other AI-native network technologies signals a fundamental shift in how networks are designed, and managed.
Global Telco AI Alliance: A Catalyst for Innovation
SKT’s leadership extends to the establishment of the Global Telco AI Alliance, a collaborative effort aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI within the global telecommunications industry. This alliance, coupled with SKT’s active participation in initiatives like the GSMA’s Asia Pacific Cross Collaboration Anti Scam Taskforce, demonstrates a commitment to responsible AI development and deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MWC 2026? MWC 2026 is the world’s largest connectivity event for the mobile and telecommunications industry, taking place in Barcelona from March 2-5, 2026.
- What is SKT’s main focus at MWC26? SKT will showcase its full-stack AI capabilities, spanning AI infrastructure, models, and services.
- What is ‘Sovereign AI’? Sovereign AI refers to a nation’s ability to develop and control its own AI infrastructure and technologies.
- What is the Global Telco AI Alliance? It’s a collaborative effort led by SKT to accelerate the adoption of AI within the global telecommunications industry.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on SKT’s demonstrations of AI-native network technologies like AI-RAN – these represent a significant leap forward in network efficiency and performance.
Want to learn more about the latest advancements in AI and telecommunications? Explore our other articles on AI-driven network optimization and the future of 5G.
