Telecom bets on AI-RAN to win global 6G standards race

Telecom operators are racing to develop artificial intelligence-powered radio access networks (AI-RAN), betting the technology will emerge as the defining infrastructure layer of the 6G era as AI data centers, industrial robots and autonomous systems drive unprecedented demand for computing at the network edge. Unlike conventional radio access networks, AI-RAN allows base stations to process AI workloads alongside wireless traffic at the network edge, reducing latency and improving network efficiency. The technology is widely viewed as a critical building block for 6G, supporting applications ranging from smart factories and autonomous vehicles to humanoid robots. The push comes as the government seeks to position Korea as an early leader in the next generation of wireless technology. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon shared that the ministry is working with telecom operators on a framework for 6G, saying Korea has an opportunity to take the lead in the next generation of wireless technology. "In a sense, Korea has room to take the lead in 6G. There are