KT Tests AI-RAN Technology on 5G Network in South Korea

Seoul, South Korea - KT Corp (NYSE: KT) announced that it has begun testing artificial intelligence radio access network technology on its commercial 5G network.

The company said the AI-RAN system analyzes traffic data between base stations and network servers. KT said base stations with the technology use AI engines to monitor radio conditions and traffic patterns.

Testing is taking place in Naju, South Jeolla Province, using Nokia 5G base station equipment with AI processors, the company said. KT said it will launch commercial services based on test results and expand coverage in phases.

KT said it is the first South Korean operator to test AI-RAN on a commercial 5G network. The company described the technology as a prerequisite for 6G networks.

The system has two functions, according to KT. Machine learning-based channel estimation uses AI to analyze radio wave patterns.

KT said this approach estimates signal strength changes more precisely than mathematical calculations, reducing data loss and delays.

The second function uses machine learning-based Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output technology.

This enables base stations to transmit data to multiple users simultaneously over a single frequency and time resource.

The AI analyzes each device's radio direction and traffic to identify combinations with less interference, KT said.

The company stated that the technology increases the data volume that base stations can transmit within the same timeframe.

KT said it will use commercial network testing to establish technical specifications for future 6G networks.