SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, e& and Singtel have formed the Global Telco AI Alliance aimed at speeding up the AI transformation of their telco business, as well as using AI-powered business models to develop new growth drivers.
The four telcos will jointly develop the Telco AI Platform by combining their respective technologies and capabilities. The Telco AI Platform is expected to serve as the core foundation for new AI services, including those designed to improve the existing telco services, digital assistants, and super apps that offer a wide range of services.
“The launch of the Global Telco AI Alliance is meaningful in that it marks the beginning of a new journey to innovate our business models while growing together with our global partners,” said Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SKT.
“Through collaborative efforts, we will accelerate AI transformation of all industries, provide new value and experience to our customers, and lead the growth of the global AI ecosystem.”
Ryu Young-sang, SKT
Multilateral MOU signed
The four telcos signed a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that took place in Seoul, Korea with key executives attending online or in-person. Besides Ryu, those present included Claudia Nemat, board member technology and innovation at Deutsche Telekom; Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&; Yuen Kuan Moon, group CEO of Singtel; and, Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group.
“In order to make the most of the possibilities of generative AI for our customers and our industry, we want to develop industry-specific applications in the Telco AI Alliance,” said Claudia Nemat, board member technology and innovation at Deutsche Telekom.
“This alliance also stands for bridging the gap between Europe and Asia and that we are jointly pursuing an open-vendor approach. Depending on the application, we can use the best technology. The founding of this alliance is an important milestone for our industry.”
Claudia Nemat, Deutsche Telekom
Joint working group to be established
To facilitate the cooperation, the Global Telco AI Alliance Joint Working Group will be formed for detailed discussions on issues such as co-investment opportunities and the co-development of the Telco AI Platform to reach a definitive agreement.
The issue of designating a C-level officer from each company to coordinate the overall collaboration will be discussed.
“The alliance signifies a strategic commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaborative efforts," said Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of e& life.
"Our shared goal is to redefine industry paradigms, establish new growth drivers through AI-powered business models, and pave the way for a new era of strategic cooperation, guiding our industry towards an exciting and prosperous future.”
Khalifa Al Shamsi, e&
The four telcos also plan to support each other in operating AI services and apps in their respective markets and cooperate to build an ecosystem.
“This alliance will enable us and our ecosystem of partners to significantly expedite the development of new and innovative AI services that can bring tremendous benefits to both businesses and consumers,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, group chief executive officer, Singtel.
“With our advanced 5G network, we are well-placed to leverage AI to ideate and co-create and are already using it to enhance our own customer service and employee experience, increase productivity and drive learning.”
Yuen Kuan-Moon, Singtel
