SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, e& and Singtel have formed the Global Telco AI Alliance to create a new customer experience through the use of AI technology.
The four members of the Global Telco AI Alliance agreed to make joint efforts to accelerate AI transformation of the existing telco business. Additionally, they agreed to develop new growth drivers through new AI-powered business models.
They signed a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the AI business, with the signing ceremony taking place in Seoul, Korea.
Those attending both online and in person included:
- Claudia Nemat, board member technology and innovation at Deutsche Telekom
- Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&
- Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of e& life
- Yuen Kuan Moon, group CEO of Singtel
- Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group
- Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SKT
The four telcos will jointly develop the Telco AI Platform by combining their respective technologies and capabilities. The Telco AI Platform will serve as the core foundation for new AI services. This includes those designed to improve the existing telco services, digital assistants, and super apps that offer a wide range of services.
To facilitate the cooperation, they will form the Global Telco AI Alliance Joint Working Group. It will have 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.
Accelerating AI development through collaboration
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.
“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. This is in addition to providing new value and experience to our customers, and leading the growth of the global AI ecosystem.”
“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. I am particularly pleased that this alliance also stands for bridging the gap between Europe and Asia and that we are jointly pursuing an open-vendor approach,” said Claudia Nemat, board member technology and innovation at Deutsche Telekom.
“Depending on the application, we can use the best technology. The founding of this alliance is an important milestone for our industry.”
Driving innovation
“We recognise AI’s immense potential in reshaping the telecommunications landscape and beyond and are excited to embark on this transformative journey with the formation of the Global Telco AI Alliance. 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. We want to pave the way for a new era of strategic cooperation, consequently guiding our industry towards an exciting and prosperous future.”
“This alliance will enable us and our ecosystem of partners to significantly expedite the development of new and innovative AI services. Services that can bring tremendous benefits to both businesses and consumers. With our advanced 5G network, we are well-placed to leverage AI to ideate and co-create. We are already using it to enhance our own customer service and employee experience. This is in addition to increasing productivity and driving learning,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, group chief executive officer of Singtel.
