Samsung, SoftBank Sign AI Network, 6G Research Deal

SEOUL, South Korea / TOKYO, Japan — Samsung Electronics and SoftBank Corp signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to collaborate on research into artificial intelligence-based radio access networks (AI-RAN) and sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology, the companies said.

The agreement outlines four areas of research: 6G technology, AI for radio access networks, integration of AI and RAN workloads, and large telecom models.

The companies said they plan to develop and demonstrate relevant technologies.

According to the companies, discussions on 6G standardization this year have included the 7 GHz band.

The statement noted that AI-RAN technologies are intended for network optimization.

The companies said the research will include orchestration technologies for integrating AI workloads with base-station operations, as well as generative AI applications in communications networks.

JinGuk Jeong, executive vice president at Samsung Research's Advanced Communications Research Center, said the research will focus on defining use cases and developing related technologies.

Hideyuki Tsukuda, executive vice president and chief technology officer at SoftBank Corp, said the companies will collaborate on developing AI-RAN networks.

Samsung's Advanced Communications Research Center conducts research in 6G and AI communications. The company said it plans to host an industry event on AI-RAN in Silicon Valley in November.