Editorial illustration for Samsung and SoftBank Team Up to Develop AI-Powered 6G Network Technologies
Samsung and SoftBank Forge AI-Driven 6G Network Future
Samsung and SoftBank sign MoU to explore AI-driven 6G radio access networks
The race for 6G supremacy is heating up, and two tech giants are placing their bets on artificial intelligence. Samsung and SoftBank aren't just talking about future networks, they're actively engineering them.
Their latest strategic move signals a critical shift in telecommunications infrastructure. While 5G networks are still rolling out globally, these companies are already peering over the horizon, targeting the complex technical challenges of 6G wireless technology.
By combining Samsung's telecommunications expertise with SoftBank's new approach, the partnership could reshape how next-generation networks are designed and deployed. The collaboration hints at a future where AI doesn't just support communication networks, but fundamentally architects them.
What makes this partnership intriguing isn't just the technological potential, it's the strategic positioning. As global telecommunications evolve, companies that can smoothly integrate artificial intelligence into network infrastructure will likely gain significant competitive advantage.
The stakes are high. And for Samsung and SoftBank, this collaboration represents more than a technical experiment, it's a calculated bet on the future of connectivity.
Samsung Electronics and SoftBank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore next-generation telecommunications technologies, including 6G and AI-based radio access networks (AI-RAN). The aim is to develop advanced communication solutions and wireless networks. Under the agreement, the two companies will focus on four key areas: 6G, AI for RAN, AI and RAN, and Large Telecom Models (LTM).
The collaboration will involve identifying new use cases, co-developing core technologies, and demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. AI-RAN technologies are expected to optimise network performance, while AI and RAN orchestration solutions will integrate AI workloads with base-station operations to improve efficiency. The use of generative AI within communications networks is also being explored as part of the initiative.
“Through this collaboration with SoftBank, we aim to define meaningful use cases for both operators and end users while securing key technologies for future commercialisation,” JinGuk Jeong, executive vice president and head of Advanced Communications Research Centre (ACRC) at Samsung Research, said in a statement. Hideyuki Tsukuda, executive vice president and CTO of SoftBank, added, “By combining our advanced expertise with Samsung, we will accelerate the realisation of next-generation networks that are more efficient and highly reliable. SoftBank remains committed to building the social infrastructure needed for a future where AI and humans coexist.” The move comes amid growing global discussions on 6G standardisation, including the potential use of new frequency bands such as the 7GHz spectrum.
The Samsung-SoftBank partnership signals a strategic pivot toward AI-integrated telecommunications infrastructure. Both companies are betting big on 6G's potential by focusing on AI-driven radio access networks.
Their collaboration isn't just theoretical. By targeting four specific technology domains - 6G, AI for RAN, AI and RAN, and Large Telecom Models - they're creating a structured approach to next-generation wireless technologies.
The memorandum suggests a serious commitment to reimagining network communication. Samsung and SoftBank aren't just exploring; they're actively planning to co-develop core technologies that could reshape how wireless networks operate.
What's intriguing is the emphasis on AI integration. These aren't incremental improvements, but a fundamental rethinking of network architecture. By combining their technological expertise, the companies hope to unlock more intelligent, responsive communication systems.
Still, many details remain unclear. The MoU represents an initial exploration, not a guaranteed breakthrough. But it's a significant step toward understanding how artificial intelligence might transform telecommunications in the coming years.
Further Reading
- Samsung and SoftBank sign MoU on AI-RAN for 6G - RCR Wireless News
- AI RAN in 2026: What lies ahead? - Fierce Network
- Can AI-RAN succeed without open RAN? 'Yes and no', says Alliance chair Choi - TelecomTV
- Is AI the key to open RAN success? - SDxCentral
Related Reading
AI Tools & Apps Claude Code 2.1.0 launches with smoother workflows, smarter agents for power users
AI Tools & Apps Build a Smart AI Voice Assistant Quickly with Vapi: Step-by-Step
AI Tools & Apps Demystifying AI Workflows: 7 Tools That Boost Transparency and Efficiency
Related Topic Samsung adds Vision AI Companion, an AI Bixby, to TVs for real-time queries
LLMs & Generative AI
Related Topic Google's Smart Glasses Lead in Software, Yet Lag on Style, Partner Samsung
Business & Startups
From Archives Microsoft Copilot adds 'Groups' chat for up to 32 users to collaborate live
From Archives Microsoft launches Edge Copilot Mode, expanding AI browser features
Common Questions Answered
What are the four key technology areas Samsung and SoftBank will focus on in their 6G collaboration?
Samsung and SoftBank will focus on 6G, AI for Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN), AI and RAN, and Large Telecom Models (LTM). These four domains represent their strategic approach to developing next-generation telecommunications technologies with advanced AI integration.
How does the Samsung-SoftBank partnership aim to advance wireless network technologies?
The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore and develop advanced communication solutions using AI-powered technologies. Their collaboration will involve identifying new use cases and co-developing core technologies for future 6G wireless networks.
Why are Samsung and SoftBank investing in AI-based radio access networks (AI-RAN)?
AI-RAN represents a critical evolution in telecommunications infrastructure, allowing for more intelligent and adaptive wireless networks. By integrating artificial intelligence into radio access networks, the companies aim to create more efficient, responsive, and advanced communication technologies for the future.