KT said on Feb. 27 it will jointly publish a '5G intelligent packet core' white paper with the GSMA at MWC26, the world's largest mobile exhibition.

A 5G intelligent packet core is a technology that combines AI with existing telecommunications technology to process traffic efficiently. KT plans to introduce an 'AI-native network' through it. An AI-native network refers to next-generation communications in which AI takes charge of core functions, assesses network conditions and automatically carries out optimisation.

More specifically, AI-RAN and AI Core, which structurally combine networks and AI, are key pillars. KT expects that an AI-native network will accelerate advances in next-generation communications infrastructure and enable an intelligent network that can be expanded through the 6G era.

AI-RAN integrates the processing of telecom traffic and AI workflows in a single infrastructure. In existing networks, network equipment, servers and AI computing equipment were operated separately. Under an AI-RAN-based structure, computing resources such as graphics processing units and central processing units can be integrated and managed as a single pool.

AI Core, the other pillar, applies AI and machine learning across the core network to strengthen data analysis and operational automation. KT is improving outage responses and operational efficiency through AI-based root-cause analysis of call quality issues, network inspection and automated software upgrades.

KT is currently the only South Korean carrier participating in the GSMA as a board member. It is continuing cooperation with various global telecom operators, including through activities such as publishing this white paper. It will also take part in MWC26 in Barcelona, Spain, which opens on March 2 under the GSMA, and will introduce various next-generation network technologies. The 5G intelligent packet core white paper is scheduled to be released on the GSMA website during MWC26.

Lee Jong-sik (이종식), head of KT's Future Network Research Institute and an executive director, said: "We will lead 6G through next-generation infrastructure in which the network and AI are organically combined."