SK Telecom Chalks Out AI Game Plan, Expects AI Investment To Triple

SK Telecom Co Ltd SKM has chalked-out a plan to become a global AI company by unveiling a new 'AI Pyramid Strategy.'

The company will boost its AI competitiveness and collaborate with international partners. 

Per the new strategy, the company will focus on three key areas: AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX), and AI Service.

AI Infrastructure: The segment will comprise a data center, AI semiconductor, and multi-LLM and serve as a technology platform.

The company plans to expand its data center business to the global market, aiming to almost double its capacity by 2030.

Sapeon, an AI semiconductor company established by SKT, will launch a next-generation inference AI chip X330, at the end of this year.

The company invested $100 million in Anthropic last month and KRW 22.4 billion in Konan Technology last year. It is working with both companies to develop LLM customized to telcos and enterprise markets.

Also Read: Amazon Invests Up To $4 Billion In ChatGPT Competitor, AI Startup Anthropic

AI Transformation: SKM expects to focus its existing core business areas like mobile, broadband, and enterprise with AI, along with expanding into new business areas such as mobility, AI healthcare, media, and advertising technology. 

The company expects AI to drive 20% to 30% cost reduction vs. the current level in the mid-to-long term.

AI Service: The company also targets launching the world's first Korean LLM service, 'A.' released in the beta version in 2022. 

The company plans to expand its presence in the global AI service market by launching personal AI assistant services simultaneously in several countries globally.

The company expects the proportion of AI-related investment to approximately triple to 33% (2024-2028) over the next five years from 12% over the past five years (2019-2023).

"Destructive innovation triggered by generative AI is already creating new value in all areas of industry, society, and life. With our AI Pyramid Strategy, we will make accelerated moves to strengthen our own capabilities and cooperate with diverse partners, and expand our AI-related resource investments. Through these efforts, we aim to become a global AI company that benefits customers, increases industry productivity, and solves social problems with innovative technologies and services," said Ryu Young-sang, CEO. 

Price Action: SKM shares closed lower by 0.09% at $21.09 on Monday.