The Ministry of Science and Technology and the three major telecom companies—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—have joined forces to enhance livelihood stability. They agreed to form a public-private consultative body to advance the development of AI-native networks, while also expanding membership and partnership discounts in closely related sectors, and strengthening benefits for youth and vulnerable groups. Each company plans to enhance customer benefits in August and September.
On the morning of July 23, the Ministry and the telecom companies held a meeting at SKT T Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, to discuss network advancements for the AI era and measures for livelihood stability. Vice Minister Baek Kyung-hoon emphasized that “telecom companies are no longer just network providers,” stating that they are now AI infrastructure and platform companies that connect daily life and industrial sites.
The three telecom companies also unveiled their next-generation network investment plans. SK Telecom announced a future network strategy focused on 6G and AI-RAN, KT revealed a plan to invest 1 trillion won in undersea cables and establish a 1GW AIDC, and LG Uplus outlined plans to build a 5G SA and develop an AIDC in Paju by the end of the year.
SK Telecom CEO Jeong Jae-hun stated, “As a key player in one of the three major mega projects, we will fulfill our roles and responsibilities,” expressing optimism for fruitful discussions and outcomes for the success of these projects.
KT CEO Park Yun-young noted, “KT was the first to commercialize 5G standalone mode and is preparing ahead for 6G and AI networks,” adding that the company plans to proactively invest 1 trillion won in undersea cables to meet the surging global traffic demand.
He further stated, “We aim to expand the AIDC based on actual demand to a total of 1 gigawatt and establish AI edge infrastructure at 3,500 national data centers, playing a central role in the Physical AI Alliance to ensure South Korea becomes a leader in Physical AI.”
LG Uplus CEO Hong Beom-sik remarked, “We will do our utmost to create an AI ecosystem where infrastructure, models, and services circulate positively based on the synergy of One LG,” and mentioned that preparations are underway to utilize the Paju AIDC starting next year.
He added, “Through ‘Everyone’s AI,’ we will contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and making South Korea the best country in utilizing AI.”
During the meeting, the Ministry and the telecom companies also reviewed the progress of tasks agreed upon in previous discussions. Initiatives such as expanding the data assurance option for basic communication rights, revising rate plans to include additional voice and text services for the elderly, and prioritizing emergency communication for the Fire Agency have been implemented. They assessed that major tasks, including the operation of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) consultative body to enhance security capabilities and upgrading subway Wi-Fi from LTE to 5G, are being carried out without issues.
The Ministry plans to establish a public-private consultative body in August to discuss regulatory improvements and network investment support, aiming to develop institutional improvement measures by the end of the year.
Additionally, the meeting addressed measures for livelihood stability in the telecommunications sector amid rising prices. The telecom companies agreed to actively cooperate by announcing customer support measures, including expanding lifestyle-oriented memberships and partnership discounts, as well as temporary rate plan benefits for youth and vulnerable groups within this month.
Furthermore, discussions were held on collaborative measures across the telecommunications industry, including mobile phone distribution, MVNOs, and information and communication construction industries. The government and the telecom companies committed to creating a healthy distribution environment by improving practices that encourage high-priced rate plan subscriptions and supporting balanced growth in the industry ecosystem through improvements in wholesale prices for MVNOs and expanding work for the information and communication construction sector.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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