South Korean researchers are embarking on the development of next-generation 'AI-RAN' technology, which integrates artificial intelligence with telecommunications networks. This initiative aims to secure a leading position in the global 6G network landscape through a collaborative effort involving industry, academia, and research institutions.
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on June 9 that it will actively pursue the 'AI-RAN Global Leading Project,' led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP).
The project will run from April 2026 to December 2030, with a total research and development budget of 47 billion won (approximately $39 million). AI-RAN represents a next-generation network technology that combines AI capabilities with existing mobile communication radio access networks.
The project aims to create an 'AI-native' structure that incorporates network resource optimization, fault prediction, and AI learning and inference functions within the network itself. Major global players, including NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, Ericsson, Nokia, and SoftBank, are currently intensifying their technological competition in this field.
The government has designated ETRI as the 'National AI-RAN Global Leading Project Research Institute.' The project boasts a robust lineup of participants, including the three major telecom companies—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—along with communication equipment and software firms such as HFR, Ucast, and CleverLogic, as well as universities like Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Seoul National University, and Ajou University, and organizations like the Next-Generation Mobile Research Association and the Korea Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA).
Researchers plan to establish a virtual network platform based on AI-RAN software for actual base stations and develop software based on international standards, specifically 3GPP Release 19 and 21. They will validate AI model performance and optimization technologies in a digital twin-based virtual network reflecting massive MIMO environments, and apply these findings in real base station testing environments to ensure operational stability.
Additionally, international collaborative research with the United States will focus on AI-based energy-saving technologies for base stations and digital twin-based wireless environment technologies. The project will also promote global standardization through activities with the AI-RAN Alliance, 3GPP, and the O-RAN Alliance.
Kim Il-kyu, head of ETRI's Mobile Communication Research Division, stated, "AI-RAN is a key technology that will determine national competitiveness in the 6G era. We will secure the foundational technology and verification systems for next-generation wireless networks based on AI, ensuring that South Korea leads the global AI-native network market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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