The South Korean government and three major telecom carriers formed a consultative body on the 23rd to expand AI-era network investment and discuss regulatory reforms. Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon met with SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ CEOs at SK Telecom's headquarters, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced. The carriers agreed to expand membership discounts and benefits for youth and vulnerable groups to reduce household burdens amid high inflation. The meeting addressed AI-based network advancement and measures to stabilize public welfare.
Deputy PM Bae Calls for Telecom Carriers to Transform into AI Infrastructure Platforms
Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized that telecom carriers must expand their role beyond simple network operators to become 'AI infrastructure and platform companies' that connect infrastructure and industrial sites to enable smooth AI operations. "Telecom carriers must now transform into AI companies, not just telecom companies," Bae stated. "The issue is speed, so I ask the telecom industry for bold investment and change to keep up with the pace of technological development. The government will also provide full support." Bae stressed the importance of rapid transformation to match AI technology advancement.
SK Telecom, KT, LG U+ Announce Future Network Investment Strategies
SK Telecom presented its future network strategy at the meeting, including 6th-generation mobile communication (6G) and AI-RAN intelligent base stations. KT proposed plans to expand submarine cable capacity, diversify landing stations, and strengthen low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network competitiveness. LG U+ announced plans to build 5G standalone mode (SA) within the year and implement an AI-based autonomous operation network. SK Telecom CEO Jung Jae-heon stated, "SK Telecom will fulfill its role and responsibility as one axis of the three mega-projects. If the theme of the April meeting was trust, public welfare, and the future, today we will create good results centered on AI and networks." KT CEO Park Yoon-young said, "We deeply agree that securing future networks and AI infrastructure is essential for AI data centers and physical AI. We will build AI edge based on 3,500 central offices nationwide and cooperate closely with the government so that South Korea can leap forward as one of the top three AI powerhouses." LG U+ CEO Hong Beom-sik stated, "It is important to create a virtuous cycle ecosystem by developing the three pillars of AI infrastructure, models, and services in a balanced way. We will contribute to improving the quality of life for the people with 'AI for all,' not AI for some."
Government and Carriers to Launch Regulatory Reform Consultative Body in August
The government and the three telecom carriers decided to launch a public-private consultative body in August to comprehensively review network investment promotion and telecom regulatory improvement measures, with results to be announced by year-end. The three carriers requested the establishment of subordinate legislation for AI data centers, support for investment tax credit application, and creation of public demand for new technologies. Deputy PM Bae responded that the government is preparing measures for AI data centers including unification of licensing windows and regulatory exceptions, and will review investment tax credits to support timely AI infrastructure construction and expansion of private investment. Bae stated that efforts to create public demand for new technologies will continue through inter-ministerial collaboration.
Telecom Carriers to Expand Consumer Discounts and Benefits This Month
To stabilize public welfare, the carriers plan to expand membership and partnership discounts in daily life sectors and provide additional temporary rate plan benefits to youth and vulnerable groups, with announcements scheduled for this month. Deputy PM Bae expressed gratitude to the three carriers regarding the data safety option discussed and agreed upon at the previous meeting, stating, "It seems meaningful." The three carriers will also strengthen coexistence with the mobile phone distribution industry, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and the information and communication construction industry. They agreed to avoid inducing subscriptions to high-priced rate plans, continuously improve MVNO wholesale prices, and make efforts to expand work for the information and communication construction industry.
FAQ
What did the South Korean government and telecom carriers announce on the 23rd?
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the government and three major telecom carriers — SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ — formed a public-private consultative body on the 23rd to expand investment in next-generation networks for the AI era and jointly discuss telecom regulatory improvements. Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon held a meeting with the CEOs of the three carriers at SK Telecom's headquarters.
When will the government-telecom regulatory reform consultative body launch?
The government and the three telecom carriers decided to launch the public-private consultative body in August to comprehensively review network investment promotion and telecom regulatory improvement measures, with results to be announced by year-end.
What network investment plans did the three carriers announce?
SK Telecom presented its future network strategy including 6th-generation mobile communication (6G) and AI-RAN intelligent base stations. KT proposed plans to expand submarine cable capacity, diversify landing stations, and strengthen low-earth-orbit satellite network competitiveness. LG U+ announced plans to build 5G standalone mode within the year and implement an AI-based autonomous operation network.
