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KT announces AI-centric 6G strategy at Mobile World Congress 2026

Published: 03 Mar. 2026, 17:12

LEE JAE-LIM
[email protected]

Lee Jong-sik, executive vice president and head of KT's Future Network Research &Development Center, speaks to the press at a briefing held in Barcelona as part of the Mobile World Congress 2026 on March 2. [KT]

KT announced its roadmap for next-generation 6G networks at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, outlining plans to build an intelligent 6G infrastructure designed to support the growing demands of AI services, including data centers.

The Korean mobile carrier said its 6G strategy centers on two main goals: using AI to automatically manage and optimize networks, and building networks specifically designed to support AI applications with faster response times.

In simple terms, KT wants future networks not just to carry data, but to “think” and adapt on their own. The company plans to automate network operations using advanced AI models, digital twins and AI agents. One major shift would allow the network to send only essential information instead of entire data sets, reducing latency and speeding up AI services.

To cut delays in data transmission, KT plans to use two key technologies. The first is network slicing, which allows one physical network to be divided into multiple virtual networks each tailored for different uses. The second is photonic networking, which uses light instead of electrical signals to transmit data, allowing faster and more efficient communication.

“The 6G vision presented by KT is an intelligent infrastructure where networks and AI are fully integrated,” said Lee Jong-sik, executive vice president and head of KT’s Future Network Research & Development Center. He added that while 5G focused on being first to launch, 6G will emphasize improving customer experience, lowering operating costs and creating new business opportunities.

KT also plans to combine satellite-based networks with traditional ground-based mobile networks to provide seamless nationwide coverage. The company said this expanded connectivity will be essential as new form of transportation services from sectors in aviation, maritime and urban air mobility become more common.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [[email protected]]