Introduction:

This ATHENA [1.] white paper presents SK Telecom’s (SKT’s) vision for future communication, rooted in fundamental values like security, stability, and quality, with a focus on AI-native innovation.

Note 1. The ‘ATHENA’ (AI, Trust, Hyper-connectivity, Experience, opeN, Agility) architecture outlines SKT’s roadmap to accelerate AI convergence and enhance customer experience in preparation for 6G commercialization post-2030. It reinforces SKT’s commitment to an AI-native, Zero Trust, and open network ecosystem.

SK Telecom continues to actively participate in global standardization to shape the future of communications and will showcase related core technologies at the upcoming 2026 MWC in Barcelona. SKT will showcase key related technologies, including various AI agents for networks, AI-RAN technology that provides both communication and AI services, on-device AI-based antenna optimization, and integrated communication and sensing technology that gathers environmental information via radio signals.

Photo Credit: SK Telecom (SKT)

Backgrounder: In 2023, SKT introduced key requirements and technology trends for 6G standardization, and in 2024, it emphasized the direction of communication infrastructure in the era of AI.

In preparation for the commercialization of 6G expected after 2030, the latest white paper comprehensively presents SKT’s mid- to long-term network evolution strategy to accelerate AI convergence, expand services such as humanoid robots and satellite communications, address advanced security threats, and shift network operation paradigms. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency, innovate customer experience, and achieve network monetization in a rapidly changing communications environment.

Through this white paper, SKT has clarified its network vision and technological evolution based on the fundamental values of security, stability, safety, and quality to prepare for future communication environments, including 6G.

Vision Based on Fundamental Network Values:

SKT has established AI-native, Zero Trust, Ubiquitous, Open, and Cloud-native as its key pillars, and aims to maximize customer experience through a Customer-centric network evolution vision that prioritizes fault prevention, security, and quality in response to diverse devices and new service environments.

AI technology is expected to evolve along two main directions: ‘AI for Network,’ which enables real-time data analysis and AI-based decision-making for self-optimizing networks; and ‘Network for AI,’ which focuses on optimizing networks to efficiently support AI services.

The security paradigm will be strengthened under the Zero Trust principle, and the infrastructure will evolve into a converged platform not tied to specific generations or technologies such as 5G, 6G, or satellite communications. An open ecosystem will be pursued through general-purpose hardware and open-source-based technologies.

The white paper also outlines the expansion of virtualization in networks for flexible resource utilization and a vision to prioritize customer needs to enhance customer experience.

To achieve this vision, SKT has defined its mid- to long-term network architecture as ATHENA*, detailing structures for the radio access network, core network, transport network, and network data platform.

* ATHENA stands for AI-native (integration of artificial intelligence throughout the network), Trust (adoption of Zero Trust security principles), Hyper-connectivity (seamless connections across diverse devices and environments), Experience (customer-centric innovation and enhanced user experience), opeN (openness through open-source technologies and collaborative ecosystems), and Agility (flexible and cloud-native network operations).

SK Telecom has presented a mid- to long-term direction to gradually apply AI- and cloud-based intelligence and automation across all network domains. The radio access network will evolve into a structure capable of AI-based autonomous optimization through virtualization and open interfaces. The core and transport networks are expected to advance toward enhanced automation and efficient control using AI in a cloud-native environment. The network data platform will expand its role as a key platform for creating AI-based services and customer value using network data.

In line with these efforts, SKT is actively participating in major international specification and standardization organizations such as 3GPP, ITU-R, and O-RAN Alliance to ensure that its future network vision and mid- to long-term architecture are effectively reflected in global standards. The company is conducting advanced R&D in core 6G technologies such as AI-RAN and autonomous networks.

Furthermore, SKT was recently elected as a new board member of the AI-RAN Alliance, contributing to discussions on the evolution of next-generation RAN through the convergence of AI and wireless technologies.

“Despite uncertainties in the 6G era, we will continue to create new growth opportunities by leading the evolution of future communication infrastructure over the next decade, prioritizing customer value and combining AI, virtualization, openness, and Zero Trust security,” said Yu Takki, Head of Network Technology Office at SK Telecom.

This white paper affirms SKT’s dedication to leading the evolution of communication infrastructure over the next decade.

About SK Telecom:

SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.

References:

https://news-static.sktelecom.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-SKT-6G-White-Paper-ATHENA_Eng.pdf

https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1657&currentPage=1&type=&keyword=

https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1656&currentPage=1&type=&keyword=

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