Samsung and SoftBank Team Up to Advance 6G Developments

Samsung is putting a lot of effort into advancing 6G and AI-powered communications technologies. The company has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SoftBank Corp. to collaborate on AI-RAN technologies for next-generation communications. The goal is to bring their expertise to drive innovation for future wireless connectivity.

Samsung strengthens 6G research with SoftBank partnership

Under the MOU, Samsung and SoftBank will categorize next-generation communications technologies into four candidate areas. These include 6G, AI for RAN, AI and RAN, and Large Telecom Model (LTM). They will use their cutting-edge technological expertise and network deployment capabilities to find new use cases and then work on them jointly.

Recently, researchers have been exploring new frequency bands, such as the 7GHz spectrum, as part of 6G standardization. “AI for RAN” focuses on using AI to improve wireless networks, while “AI and RAN” integrates AI with base station workloads to operate them efficiently. Furthermore, there are also discussions about using Generative AI within communication networks.

“Through this collaboration with SoftBank, we aim to define meaningful use cases for both operators and end users, while securing key technologies for future commercialization,” said JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC) at Samsung Research. “Building on our advanced expertise in AI-RAN and 6G, Samsung will continue to lead innovation in next-generation communications.”

Meanwhile, Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO at SoftBank Corp., said that the team will accelerate the realization of next-generation networks that evolve to become more efficient and highly reliable through AI-RAN.

As of now, Samsung is gearing up to host the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit next month. The event will discuss AI-RAN research with industry leaders, academia, and government organizations. A few weeks ago, the company confirmed that it had joined the Verizon 6G Innovation Forum, a group of companies working to drive innovation in the 6G era.