How SK Telecom is Shaping the Future of AI Infrastructure

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances at an unprecedented pace, the demands on infrastructure are skyrocketing. Telecommunication companies, with their extensive networks and physical assets, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. One major player embracing this opportunity is SK Telecom (SKT), which has unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize how AI infrastructure is built and managed. By evolving into a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Data Centre (AIDC) developer, SKT aims to position not just South Korea but also Southeast Asia as a competitive hub for AI development.

Revolutionizing AI with Advanced AIDC Solutions

Central to SK Telecom’s plan is its bold initiative to establish state-of-the-art AIDC hubs across Korea. These hubs will serve as the backbone of the country’s AI aspirations, facilitating advanced data processing and storage. To bolster its roadmap, SKT is actively developing AIDC facilities in regions like Seoul, Ulsan, and the southwestern part of the country. One flagship project, the Ulsan AIDC, is targeting an unprecedented 1 GW-scale capacity, demonstrating SKT’s ability to partner with global stakeholders and position South Korea as Asia’s leading AI hub.

Moreover, SKT’s strategy extends beyond domestic borders. The South Korean telco is venturing into the Southeast Asian market with energy-efficient AIDC models. By partnering with SK Innovation, SKT is planning to build a fully integrated facility in Vietnam powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This innovative approach includes capturing and utilizing the “cold energy” generated during LNG processing to cool the data center. This dual-purpose model not only reduces operating costs but also aligns with sustainability initiatives.

Enhancing AI Performance Through Strategic Partnerships

One of SK Telecom’s greatest strengths lies in its collaborative ecosystem. The company has forged partnerships with market leaders like AWS and NVIDIA, ensuring access to the latest cloud and hardware technologies. Together, they are exploring cutting-edge solutions like AI-RAN (Radio Access Network), which incorporates AI into the telecom network’s very fabric. These advancements are instrumental in enabling seamless connections between central AIDCs and on-device AI applications, creating a hybrid infrastructure that balances power, performance, and latency.

SK Telecom’s “AIDC solution package” promises to revolutionize the industry. This comprehensive offering includes specialized technologies for power management, cooling efficiency, and server interconnection that significantly elevate data center performance. By taking on the roles of designer, builder, and operator, SKT is creating a one-stop solution for enterprises looking to tap into AI infrastructure. These innovations further highlight the transformative potential of telcos in becoming foundational partners in AI development.

Redefining AI Infrastructure as a Strategic Asset

SKT’s vision not only underscores the growing influence of telcos in the AI era but also redefines AI infrastructure as a competitive driver. SK Telecom CEO Jung Jaihun has emphasized that robust AI capacities will be critical for national and corporate competitiveness. Infrastructure decisions are now boardroom-level concerns, with organizations strategizing to ensure access to scalable, efficient, and sustainable computational resources.

Furthermore, the creation of regional AI hubs like the one envisioned by SKT emphasizes the importance of data sovereignty. As regulatory landscapes become increasingly complex, enterprises are seeking local and region-specific solutions to address compliance concerns. SK Telecom’s efforts to build an ecosystem of sovereign-capable AIDCs provide businesses with scalable infrastructure options while adhering to governance requirements.

The Future of Telecoms in AI

SK Telecom’s ambitious plans mark a significant shift for the telecommunications industry. By leveraging their existing edge networks, power management expertise, and innovative partnerships, telcos like SKT are positioning themselves as indispensable players in the AI value chain. The hybrid infrastructure model they are pioneering—centralized AIDCs paired with intelligent edge AI—could redefine how AI infrastructure is deployed globally, paving the way for optimized performance and efficiency.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, companies like SK Telecom are setting the stage for a new era where telecom operators take center stage in shaping technological innovation. For CIOs and business leaders, these advancements highlight the need to rethink traditional infrastructure strategies and embrace telco-driven solutions to unlock unparalleled AI potential.