Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
KT vows to expand footing as AI-powered telecom player
KT CEO Kim Young-shub delivers a keynote speech during this year's M360 APAC mobile phone conference in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Lee Min-hyung
KT will transform into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered telecommunications service operator as it proactively prepares for the upcoming era of sixth-generation (6G) networks, its chief said Tuesday.
“(The) telecommunications network is essential to realize customized services in an era of the AI, so telecom companies should keep taking the lead in developing their network systems compatibility with the 6G,” KT CEO Kim Young-shub said on the sidelines of this year’s M360 APAC mobile phone conference.
The two-day event, hosted by the GSM Association (GSMA) — a non-profit industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide — started with much fanfare in Seoul, with KT participating as a key sponsor. A group of participating firms and organizations, including Samsung Electronics, discussed the role of AI in supporting digital growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
The KT chief underscored the importance of AI for KT as a telecom service provider. Almost all industrial sectors, such as health care, public transportation, manufacturing and logistics, are experiencing a major paradigm shift amid the rapid rise of AI, so the notion of an AI-powered network system is becoming increasingly significant, according to Kim.
KT operates a series of AI-driven services, such as smart image analysis and an intelligent transportation system.
“This indicates that the role of telecoms companies is expanding into an operator of AI-driven network services,” Kim said. “The era of AI has arrived, and such services will be incorporated into our daily lives.”
The GSMA also invited a group of renowned speakers from global network powerhouses, such as Huawei and SAP, for the latest event.
“It’s great to be back in Seoul for the M360 APAC and to see regional innovators using connected technologies in new and exciting ways,” GSMA Director General Mats Granryd said.
“This year, generative AI is making headlines throughout the world and is unlocking countless possibilities in every sector ... I look forward to discussing at the M360 APAC how the technology is enabling a shift from building digital societies to building digital nations across the APAC.”
Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im also said AI technologies are crucial in that they will be able to help resolve diverse social issues.
“AI technologies are affecting every corner of industries, humanities, societies and national security, and this has sparked controversies never seen before,” Yoo said.
“But now, AI emerges as a momentum for economic growth, while at the same time helping overcome structural challenges that society faces.”
The M360 APAC has been held in Korea for two consecutive years, with KT serving as a key host sponsor throughout the event.