Joining forces to accelerate AI transformation in telecom, they aim to develop innovative AI-powered business models for a brighter future.
In a groundbreaking announcement today, SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, e&, and Singtel revealed the establishment of the Global Telco AI Alliance. The primary objective of this alliance is to leverage AI technology to create a transformative impact on the lives of global citizens and revolutionize the customer experience across the telecommunications industry.
The four major telcos have committed to a joint effort aimed at accelerating the AI transformation of their existing telecom businesses and driving the development of innovative AI-powered business models to foster new growth opportunities. To formalize their cooperation, the companies signed a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a ceremony held in Seoul, Korea. Key executives of the four telcos, including Claudia Nemat, Board Member Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, Yuen Kuan Moon, Group CEO of Singtel, Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, and Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SKT, attended the signing ceremony either online or in-person.
The Global Telco AI Alliance will center its efforts on the development of the Telco AI Platform, a collaborative initiative that will merge the respective technologies and capabilities of all four members. This platform is expected to form the core foundation for a wide array of AI services, including improvements to existing telecom services, digital assistants, and super apps providing diverse services.
In order to facilitate seamless cooperation, the Global Telco AI Alliance Joint Working Group will be established. This group will engage in detailed discussions on co-investment opportunities and co-development strategies for the Telco AI Platform, with the potential to designate a C-level officer from each company to oversee the overall collaboration.
Furthermore, the four telcos aim to support each other in operating AI services and applications within their respective markets, fostering an ecosystem of collaboration.
Commenting on the alliance’s launch, Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SKT, expressed its significance as the start of a new journey to innovate business models while fostering growth alongside global partners. He emphasized that through collaborative efforts, the alliance will drive AI transformation across industries, deliver new value and experiences to customers, and contribute to the growth of the global AI ecosystem.
Claudia Nemat, Board Member Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, highlighted the alliance’s potential to harness the possibilities of generative AI to develop industry-specific applications. She expressed satisfaction with the alliance’s goal of bridging the gap between Europe and Asia while pursuing an open-vendor approach to leverage the best technologies for different applications.
Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of e& life, expressed excitement about embarking on a transformative journey through the Global Telco AI Alliance. He emphasized the alliance’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaborative efforts to redefine industry paradigms and establish new growth drivers through AI-powered business models.
Yuen Kuan Moon, Group Chief Executive Officer of Singtel, emphasized the potential for AI to reshape the telecommunications landscape and beyond. He highlighted the significance of the alliance’s efforts in developing new and innovative AI services that benefit both businesses and consumers.
The Global Telco AI Alliance marks a momentous step in the telecommunications industry’s drive to embrace AI technology to revolutionize customer experiences, drive innovation, and foster strategic cooperation among key industry players. With this alliance in place, the stage is set for a promising and prosperous future, powered by the potential of AI technology.