SK Telecom (SKT) is doubling down on artificial intelligence (AI) as a core driver of future growth, unveiling it’s “AI Pyramid 2.0” strategy at its recent shareholder meeting. CEO Yoo Young-sang emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder and corporate value through strategic AI advancements and operational improvements.
The strategy aims to refine SKT’s approach to AI,focusing on both choice and intensive advancement within its existing AI framework. This pivot comes as the global AI market continues its rapid expansion, projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years.SKT’s move positions it to capture a notable share of this burgeoning market.
AI Pyramid 2.0: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The AI Pyramid 2.0 strategy encompasses several key areas:
Revamping AI Data Centers (AIDC)
SKT plans to diversify its AIDC offerings, segmenting them into four distinct buisness models:
- Subscribed AI Cloud GPU AS A Service (GPUaaS)
- Small Modular AIDCs
- Single-customer AIDCs
- Hyperscale AIDCs
This segmentation allows SKT to cater to a wider range of customer needs, from small businesses to large enterprises requiring significant computing power for AI workloads.
Enterprise AI and AI Cloud: Targeting Double-Digit growth
In the B2B sector, SKT is focusing on monetizing its existing AI technologies through “Enterprise AI” solutions and expanding its “AI Cloud” services. The company aims for double-digit growth in this segment, leveraging the increasing demand for AI-powered solutions across various industries.
AI Agent dominance: ADD and Global Expansion with Easter
SKT’s AI agent, “ADD,” has already gained significant traction, boasting 8.9 million subscribers as of the end of last month. Building on this success, SKT is preparing to launch its global AI agent, “Easter,” in the US market later this year. The company plans to collaborate with global telecommunications companies to expand Easter’s services internationally.
Building a Robust AI Ecosystem
SK Telecom is not only focusing on its internal AI capabilities but also actively fostering a broader AI ecosystem within Korea and globally.
SK AI R&D Centre: The Group’s “AI Brain”
established at the end of last year, the SK AI R&D Center will serve as the central hub for AI innovation across the entire SK Group. This centralized approach aims to streamline AI development and ensure synergy between different SK Group companies.
Global and Domestic Partnerships: Strengthening AI Alliances
SKT is actively pursuing partnerships with leading AI companies worldwide, including Entropic, Perplex City, lambda, and Penguin Solutions. The company is also a key member of the “Global Telco AI Alliance,” alongside Deutsche telekom, Singtel Group, and Softbank. Furthermore, SKT is committed to developing the “K-AI alliance,” fostering collaboration and joint development with domestic partners.
This year, SK Telecom will generate new profits and maximize shareholder value and corporate value through advancement of the AI business.
Yoo Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom
In a move to enhance transparency and investor confidence, SK Telecom has amended its articles of incorporation to allow investors to review dividend facts before making investment decisions. The company will now determine dividends within 45 days of the end of each quarter, subject to board approval.